Toby Keith – Tryin’ To Matter

Introduction:

In the vast landscape of American country music, few artists have captured the spirit of the working class and small-town values quite like Toby Keith. Tryin’ To Matter, released in 2001, stands as a testament to Keith’s ability to connect with his audience through relatable themes and a signature sound that blends traditional country with a modern rock edge.

Toby Keith, a singer-songwriter with a distinctively gruff baritone, rose to prominence in the 1990s with a string of hit songs that celebrated patriotism, blue-collar work ethic, and a love for the American way of life. Tryin’ To Matter further solidified his image as a champion of the common man, exploring themes of purpose, legacy, and the yearning to leave a mark on the world.

The song’s production, overseen by Toby Keith himself alongside James Stroud, perfectly complements the lyrical content. Stroud, a seasoned producer known for his work with artists like Wynonna Judd and Martina McBride, brings a clean and polished sound to the track. Acoustic guitars provide a warm foundation, while subtle electric guitar accents and a driving drumbeat infuse the song with a touch of rock energy, reflecting the complexities of the protagonist’s emotions.

Tryin’ To Matter resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a major hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song peaked at number two and remained on the charts for a staggering 40 weeks, a testament to its lasting appeal. Tryin’ To Matter wasn’t just a commercial success; it also garnered critical acclaim. The song was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2002 Academy of Country Music Awards, highlighting its impact on the genre.

Beyond its chart success and critical recognition, Tryin’ To Matter has transcended the boundaries of music, becoming an anthem for everyday people who strive to make a difference in their communities and leave a lasting legacy. The song’s relatable message continues to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place as a modern country classic.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Tryin’ To Matter”

I’m a lonely man with a lonely life
A full-time job and part-time wife
And the grindstone just goes on and on
You’re a lonely girl that’s a lonely wife
Gotta three bedroom and an empty life
And you’re not quite sure
Just where it all went wrong
There are lots of reasons why we should turn and walk away
But there’s a whole lot ridin’ on this love so baby what’s ya sayLet’s give it one good shot
Let’s really give it all we got
We can take it nice and slow
Baby don’t you want to go back
Where we had a chance
And we danced our dance
In a world where a heart could never shatter
We might go down cryin’
But at least our love will die
Tryin’ to matter, tryin’ to matter

We’ve come a long way so don’t forget
let’s don’t throw our hands up yet
We’ve still got time
To change our mind
Honey let’s give it our best tonight
If we still ain’t got it right
We can always, always say goodbye
Somewhere I guess we let go, lost a little ground
One solitary heartbeat can turn this thing around

Let’s give it one good shot
Let’s really give it all we got
We can take it nice and slow
Baby don’t you want to go back
Where we had a chance
And we danced our dance
In a world where a heart could never shatter
We might go down cryin’
But at least our love will die
Tryin’ to matter
We might go down cryin’
At least our love will die
Tryin’ to matter, tryin’ to matter