No Good Trying

Syd Barrett's 'No Good Trying' delves into the complexities of authenticity and the struggle to connect with someone who is fundamentally different. The song opens with the lines, 'It's no good trying to place your hand where I can't see because I understand that you're different from me,' setting the tone for a narrative about the futility of trying to bridge a gap between two distinct individuals. Barrett's lyrics suggest a deep awareness of the other person's inability to be genuine, as he repeatedly notes, 'you can't be what you pretend.' This theme of inauthenticity is further emphasized through vivid imagery, such as 'the red and yellow mane of a stallion horse,' which could symbolize a wild, untamed spirit that cannot be confined or understood fully.

The second verse continues this exploration of disconnection, with Barrett singing, 'It's no good trying to hold your love where I can't see because I understand that you're different from me.' Here, love itself becomes a point of contention, as the singer recognizes that the other person's love is not something he can grasp or comprehend. The metaphor of the 'caterpillar hood' not covering the head suggests a transformation that is incomplete or a disguise that fails to conceal true identity. This imagery reinforces the idea that the person he is addressing is not being true to themselves or to him.

In the final verse, Barrett uses the metaphor of a 'sequin fan' and 'spinning around and around in a car with electric lights flashing very fast' to depict a sense of chaos and superficiality. The sequin fan, a flashy but ultimately insubstantial object, represents the facade that the other person maintains. The spinning car with flashing lights evokes a sense of disorientation and instability, mirroring the tumultuous nature of their relationship. Through these metaphors, Barrett captures the essence of a connection that is fraught with misunderstandings and the inability to see each other clearly.