This Is Me Trying: Long Pond Studio Sessions Breakdown

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into one of Taylor Swift's most emotionally resonant songs, "this is me trying," especially as it appears in the Long Pond Studio Sessions. This track, already a standout on folklore, takes on a whole new dimension in the intimate, stripped-down setting of Long Pond. We're going to explore the lyrics, the musical arrangement, and the overall vibe that makes this version so incredibly powerful. So, grab your headphones, maybe a box of tissues, and let's get started!

Unpacking the Raw Emotion of "this is me trying"

"This is me trying" is a brutally honest look at struggle, self-awareness, and the weight of expectations. The song encapsulates the feeling of giving your best, even when your best falls short. In the Long Pond version, this vulnerability is amplified. The stripped-down arrangement allows Taylor's vocals to take center stage, carrying the full emotional weight of the lyrics. The acoustic guitar, played with such delicate precision, underscores the fragility of the narrative. What makes this song so relatable is its universality. Everyone, at some point, has felt like they're trying their hardest but still not quite measuring up. It's about those moments of quiet desperation, the internal battles we fight when we feel like we're failing. Taylor's songwriting genius lies in her ability to articulate these complex emotions with such clarity and grace. In the Long Pond version, you can almost hear the rawness of the experience, as if she's reliving those moments of self-doubt and perseverance right there in front of you. The beauty of "this is me trying" lies in its simplicity. There are no grand pronouncements or sweeping declarations, just a quiet acknowledgment of the effort being made. And in that acknowledgment, there's a profound sense of hope and resilience. It's a reminder that even when we stumble, even when we fall, the act of trying itself is a victory. This song speaks to the core of the human experience, reminding us that we are all works in progress, constantly striving to be better, even when it feels like an uphill battle. The Long Pond Studio Sessions version amplifies this message, offering a sense of solace and understanding to anyone who has ever felt like they're just trying to make it through.

The Long Pond Arrangement: Stripped Down and Soulful

The arrangement of "this is me trying" in the Long Pond Studio Sessions is a masterclass in minimalism. It's a far cry from the more produced version on folklore, and that's precisely what makes it so effective. The focus is entirely on the vocals and the acoustic guitar, creating an intimate and almost confessional atmosphere. The absence of drums and other embellishments allows the raw emotion of the song to shine through. You can hear the subtle nuances in Taylor's voice, the slight cracks and imperfections that add to the authenticity of the performance. The acoustic guitar, played by Aaron Dessner, provides a delicate and melancholic backdrop. The fingerpicking style is intricate and beautiful, but never overpowering. It complements the vocals perfectly, creating a sense of both fragility and strength. One of the most striking aspects of the Long Pond arrangement is the use of space. There are moments where the music drops out almost entirely, leaving just Taylor's voice hanging in the air. These moments of silence are incredibly powerful, allowing the listener to fully absorb the weight of the lyrics. In contrast to the studio version, the Long Pond arrangement brings a sense of immediacy and vulnerability. It feels like you're sitting right there in the room with Taylor, witnessing her pour her heart out in real-time. This intimacy is what makes the Long Pond Studio Sessions so special, and it's particularly evident in "this is me trying." The song's emotional impact is heightened by the stripped-down nature of the arrangement, allowing the listener to connect with the lyrics on a deeper level. It's a testament to the power of simplicity and the ability of music to convey profound emotions with just a few carefully chosen elements.

Lyrical Depth: A Line-by-Line Exploration

Let's break down some of the key lyrics of "this is me trying" and explore their deeper meanings. The opening lines, "I've been having a hard time adjusting, I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting," immediately set the tone for the song. It's a candid admission of struggle and a sense of lost potential. The image of the "shiniest wheels" rusting suggests that the speaker once had everything going for them, but now they're facing setbacks and challenges. The line "I didn't know if you'd care if I came back, I have a tendency to leave when it gets hard" reveals a fear of abandonment and a pattern of self-sabotage. The speaker is unsure if they're worthy of forgiveness or acceptance, and they have a history of running away from difficult situations. The chorus, "And I've been trying, I didn't know how to heal them, And it wasn't okay, And I tried to give you a reason, And darling, this is me trying," is the heart of the song. It's a plea for understanding and a declaration of effort. The speaker acknowledges their flaws and mistakes, but they also emphasize their commitment to trying to make things right. The line "I tried to give you a reason" suggests that the speaker is aware of their shortcomings and is trying to provide an explanation for their behavior. The repetition of "this is me trying" reinforces the idea that the act of trying itself is significant, even if the outcome is uncertain. The bridge, with lines like "They told me all of my cages were mental, So I got wasted to try to forget them, And I'd been so long holding on to you, I’d been living like a faithless religion," delves into the speaker's coping mechanisms and their struggle to break free from their own limitations. The image of "cages" suggests that the speaker feels trapped by their own thoughts and beliefs. The reference to "getting wasted" highlights the self-destructive behaviors that the speaker uses to escape their pain. The line "I'd been living like a faithless religion" is particularly poignant, suggesting that the speaker has lost their sense of purpose and direction. Ultimately, "this is me trying" is a song about self-acceptance and the courage to keep going, even when things are tough. The lyrics are honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable, making it a standout track on folklore and a particularly powerful moment in the Long Pond Studio Sessions.

Why the Long Pond Version Resonates So Deeply

So, what is it about the Long Pond version of "this is me trying" that makes it hit so hard? It's a combination of factors, really. First, there's the intimacy of the setting. Seeing Taylor perform the song in such a natural, unscripted environment creates a sense of connection that's hard to replicate in a traditional music video or studio recording. You feel like you're right there with her, sharing in the vulnerability of the moment. Second, the stripped-down arrangement allows the lyrics and vocals to take center stage. Without the distractions of heavy production, the raw emotion of the song shines through. You can hear the subtle nuances in Taylor's voice, the slight cracks and imperfections that make the performance feel so authentic. Third, there's the sense of community that permeates the Long Pond Studio Sessions. Seeing Taylor interact with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, sharing stories and insights about the songs, adds another layer of depth to the experience. You get the feeling that these are real people, making real music, and that's incredibly powerful. Finally, "this is me trying" is a song that speaks to a universal human experience. Everyone, at some point, has felt like they're struggling, like they're not quite measuring up. The song offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding us that even when we fall, the act of trying itself is a victory. And in the Long Pond version, that message is amplified, offering a sense of solace and understanding to anyone who has ever felt like they're just trying to make it through. The Long Pond Studio Sessions stripped away the artifice and presented the song in its purest, most vulnerable form. This vulnerability, combined with Taylor's heartfelt performance, is what makes the Long Pond version of "this is me trying" so deeply resonant.

Final Thoughts: "this is me trying" and the Power of Vulnerability

"This is me trying" in the Long Pond Studio Sessions is more than just a song; it's an experience. It's a reminder of the power of vulnerability, the importance of self-acceptance, and the courage to keep trying, even when things are tough. Taylor Swift has always been known for her honest and relatable songwriting, but in the Long Pond Studio Sessions, she takes that honesty to a whole new level. The stripped-down arrangements and intimate setting allow the songs to shine in a new light, revealing the raw emotion and vulnerability that lies at their core. "This is me trying" is a perfect example of this. The song's message of struggle and perseverance is amplified by the Long Pond setting, creating a deeply moving and unforgettable moment. It's a testament to the power of music to connect us, to heal us, and to remind us that we're not alone in our struggles. So, the next time you're feeling down, put on the Long Pond version of "this is me trying" and let Taylor's words wash over you. Remember that it's okay to not be perfect, it's okay to struggle, and it's okay to just be trying your best. Because sometimes, that's all we can do, and that's enough. The song serves as a comforting reminder that we are all works in progress, constantly learning and growing, and that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter future. This raw and honest portrayal of human experience is what elevates "this is me trying" to a timeless piece of art, resonating with listeners for years to come.