I’ll Try – Alan Jackson

Introduction:

“I’ll Try” is a heartfelt country ballad performed by American country music artist Alan Jackson. Released on November 6, 1995, as the lead single from his fifth studio album, Everything I Love, the song quickly resonated with listeners due to its introspective lyrics and tender emotional delivery. Alan Jackson, already a well-established figure in the country music scene by this time, demonstrated his songwriting prowess with this piece, as he penned the song himself. “I’ll Try” is one of Jackson’s many tracks that exemplifies his ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary themes, which has made him a staple in the genre throughout his career.

The song fits firmly within the country genre, characterized by its acoustic instrumentation, gentle melodies, and Jackson’s signature deep, soothing vocals. However, what sets “I’ll Try” apart is its lyrical depth. The song is essentially a promise of love and commitment, though tempered by the narrator’s humility and honesty. Rather than offering grandiose guarantees, Jackson’s character acknowledges his imperfections, making his vows in a realistic, relatable manner. Lines like “I’ll try to be true, I’ll try every day to make you happy, and I’ll try to be strong” convey this theme of striving for love without claiming unattainable perfection, which likely contributed to its appeal.

Upon release, “I’ll Try” became another commercial success for Jackson, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart (now known as the Hot Country Songs chart) in early 1996. This marked Jackson’s fourteenth single to achieve this feat, further solidifying his status as one of the most reliable hitmakers in country music at the time.

In terms of accolades, the song was praised for its simplicity and emotional honesty, earning Jackson admiration from both critics and fans alike. While it may not have garnered major awards, it played a key role in maintaining Jackson’s momentum as a top-tier artist in the 1990s and remains a beloved part of his extensive catalog. With its gentle melody, sincere lyrics, and Jackson’s emotive performance, “I’ll Try” continues to be remembered as one of his most touching songs, reflecting the core values of love and commitment central to much of country music.

Video:

Lyrics:

“I’ll Try”

Here we are
Talkin’ bout forever
Both know damn well
It’s not easy togetherWe’ve both felt love
We’ve both felt pain
I’ll take the sunshine
Over the rain

And I’ll try
To love only you
And I’ll try
My best to be true
Oh darlin’, I’ll try

So I’m not scared
It’s worth a chance to me
Take my hand
Let’s face eternity

Well I can’t tell you
That I’ll never change
But I can swear
That in every way

And I’ll try
To love only you
And I’ll try
My best to be true
Oh darlin’, I’ll try

I’m not perfect
Just another man
But I will give you
All that I am

And I’ll try
To love only you
And I’ll try
My best to be true
Oh darlin’, I’ll try

I’ll try
To be true to you
I’ll try
I’ll try
To always love you
I’ll try