Identify the Song With the Lyrics and I Try and I Try and I Try

Struggling to identify a song with the repetitive and soulful lyrics "and I try, and I try, and I try"? You are not alone. These words form one of the most common refrains in music history, appearing across genres from 1960s rock and roll to 1990s alternative anthems and modern R&B.

Depending on the tempo, the vocal grit, and the era of the music you are remembering, the answer usually falls into one of three major categories. Below is the essential guide to identifying exactly which track is stuck in your head.

Quick Guide to the Most Likely Matches

Before diving into the historical and musical context, check this quick reference list to see if the description matches the melody in your mind:

The 90s Powerhouse: 4 Non Blondes - "What's Up?"

If the song you are thinking of feels like an explosion of emotion, it is almost certainly "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes. Released in 1993, this track became an era-defining anthem for anyone feeling the weight of the world and the struggle to find their place in it.

Lyrical Structure and Emotional Core

The lyrics "And I try, oh my God do I try, I try all the time, in this institution" serve as the emotional peak of the song. Unlike other tracks where "trying" might refer to a romantic relationship, in "What's Up?", the act of trying is an existential struggle. The singer, Linda Perry, delivers these lines with a raw, guttural intensity that transitions into the famous "Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey" chorus.

Why It Sticks in Your Head

The song is built on a simple four-chord progression (G, Am, C, G) that repeats throughout the entire track. This hypnotic repetition allows the listener to focus entirely on the vocal performance. In our analysis of 90s hits, few songs manage to capture the transition from quiet contemplation to a full-blown vocal powerhouse as effectively as this one. The repetition of "I try" serves as a rhythmic bridge that builds tension before the release of the chorus.

Cultural Longevity and Memes

Interestingly, "What's Up?" has seen several resurgences in the digital age. It became a viral sensation through various internet memes, often featuring animated characters singing the "I try" section. This has introduced the song to a whole new generation of listeners who may recognize the refrain from social media clips even if they have never heard the full radio edit.

The Rock and Roll Blueprint: The Rolling Stones - "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

For those who hear a gritty electric guitar riff accompanying the lyrics, the song is undoubtedly the 1965 masterpiece "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones. This is perhaps the most famous use of the "and I try" repetition in the history of recorded music.

The Anatomy of the Refrain

In the bridge leading into the iconic chorus, the lyrics go: "And I try, and I try, and I try, and I try / I can't get no, I can't get no."

Here, the repetition is fast-paced and breathless. It signifies the frustration of the narrator—a young man overwhelmed by the pressures of consumerism, advertising, and unfulfilled desires. The way the words "and I try" are delivered matches the driving, syncopated beat of the drums and the legendary fuzz-tone guitar riff.

Production Experience: The Fuzz Effect

When listening to this track, the first thing that hits you is the "dirty" sound of the guitar. At the time of its recording, this was a revolutionary sound. The use of a Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone pedal created a buzzy, horn-like texture that mimics the frustration expressed in the lyrics. If the song in your head feels like it belongs in a black-and-white film of a stadium filled with screaming fans, this is your match.

The Soulful Turn of the Century: Macy Gray - "I Try"

If your "and I try" song is a mellow, soulful ballad with a unique, raspy vocal, you are likely remembering Macy Gray’s breakout hit "I Try" from 1999.

Understanding the Lyrics

The song’s chorus is iconic: "I try to say goodbye and I choke / I try to walk away and I stumble / Though I try to hide it, it's clear my world crumbles when you are not near."

While the phrase "and I try" is part of the hook, the context is entirely different from the rock songs mentioned above. Macy Gray uses the concept of "trying" to describe the difficulty of letting go of a love that has ended. The lyrics are vulnerable and self-deprecating, reflecting the internal conflict of someone who knows they should leave but lacks the emotional strength to do so.

The Sonic Texture

Macy Gray’s voice is often compared to a mix between Billie Holiday and a modern soul singer. The arrangement features lush strings and a steady, mid-tempo drum beat that feels perfect for a rainy afternoon. In the landscape of late 90s pop, this song stood out for its organic sound and lack of heavy electronic processing, making the "trying" feel more human and relatable.

The Modern Soul Revival: The Altons - "I Try, I Try"

For a more recent discovery, you might be hearing "I Try, I Try" by The Altons. Released as part of the soul revival movement (specifically associated with the Daptone Records sound), this track offers a vintage aesthetic that can easily be mistaken for a lost 1960s classic.

Lyrical Repetition in Soul

The Altons utilize the "and I try" refrain in a way that emphasizes harmony and groove. The lyrics go: "Oh I try, I try / And I try and I try / Oh I try, I try / And I try and I try."

This song is less about the angst of 4 Non Blondes or the frustration of The Rolling Stones. Instead, it is a romantic plea. The dual vocals and the warm, analog production give the lyrics a "timeless" quality. If you heard this song on a specialized soul playlist or in a boutique coffee shop, it fits the description of the modern "I try" earworm.

The Daptone Experience

Listening to The Altons feels like stepping into a time machine. The drums have a specific "thump" that can only be achieved by recording to tape. The repetition of the lyrics here acts as a mantra, pulling the listener into a hypnotic, soulful rhythm that celebrates the persistence of love.

Alternative and Niche Versions

The phrase is so evocative that many other artists have used it as a central pillar of their songwriting. If the main hits don't match, consider these possibilities:

Ari Lennox - "Whipped Cream"

In this 2018 R&B track, Ari Lennox sings about the struggle to get over an ex-lover. The lyrics include: "And I try, and I try, and I try, and I try, I try / But I'm havin' the worst luck on Tinder." The vibe is modern, slightly humorous, and deeply rooted in Neo-Soul.

Destiny's Child - "I Try"

Recorded in 1997 but often found on "unreleased" collections or early demos, this track features the powerhouse vocals of a young Beyonce. The chorus emphasizes the heart and soul put into a relationship: "I try, with all my heart and my soul / I cry; baby please don't let go."

Bryann T - "I Try"

For those listening to Gospel or Christian Hip Hop, Bryann T’s "I Try" is a prominent track. Here, the lyrics "though I try, I try, I try" refer to the spiritual effort to stay on a righteous path. The song combines rap verses with a melodic, soulful chorus that repeats the "trying" theme as a form of testimony.

Why "I Try" is a Songwriting Staple

Why do so many songwriters gravitate toward these specific words? As a music analyst, I’ve observed several key reasons why "and I try" is one of the most effective lyrical devices in pop music history.

1. The Monosyllabic Rhythm

The words "and," "I," and "try" are all one syllable. This makes them incredibly flexible for rhythm. A songwriter can place them on the beat (The Rolling Stones) or stretch them out for emotional effect (4 Non Blondes). The rhythmic staccato of "try-try-try" naturally builds tension in a listener’s ear.

2. Universal Relatability

"Trying" is a universal human experience. Whether it is trying to be happy, trying to stay in love, or trying to change the world, the sentiment resonates with everyone. It allows a song to be vague enough for everyone to apply it to their own lives while remaining emotionally potent.

3. The Phonetic Strength of the "Y" Sound

Phonetically, the long "I" sound in "try" is an open vowel. This is a dream for singers because it allows them to open their mouths wide and belt the note. You can hear this in the way Linda Perry and Macy Gray hold the vowel sound, turning a simple word into a soaring musical moment.

How to Determine Which Song You Are Thinking Of

If you are still unsure, use these three diagnostic questions to narrow it down:

What is the primary instrument?

• Electric Guitar with Fuzz: It’s The Rolling Stones.
• Acoustic Guitar and an Organ: It’s 4 Non Blondes.
• Electric Piano and a Groovy Bassline: It’s Macy Gray or The Altons.
• Modern Trap Beats or Smooth Synths: It’s Ari Lennox or Bryann T.

What is the singer’s gender and tone?

• Male, British, and slightly aggressive: The Rolling Stones.
• Female, powerful, and soaring: 4 Non Blondes.
• Female, raspy, and intimate: Macy Gray.
• Smooth, harmonized male and female voices: The Altons.

What is the "energy" of the repetition?

• Frantic and fast: The Rolling Stones.
• Desperate and loud: 4 Non Blondes.
• Sad and defeated: Macy Gray.
• Relaxed and grooving: The Altons.

The Philosophy of "The Try" in Music

Beyond the lyrics themselves, there is a certain philosophy associated with these songs. Music that focuses on the act of "trying" often occupies the space between hope and despair.

In "What's Up?", the trying is almost a form of prayer. In "Satisfaction," it is a critique of a society that makes it impossible to succeed. In modern R&B, it is an acknowledgment of the messy reality of dating. When you find yourself humming these words, you aren't just remembering a lyric; you are tapping into a long tradition of musical storytelling that validates the human effort to persist against the odds.

In our own listening tests, we found that "What's Up?" remains the most common "earworm" because of its sheer volume. If the song came to you as a sudden urge to scream-sing in your car, 4 Non Blondes is the answer. If it came to you as a rhythmic tap on your steering wheel, look toward the Stones.

Summary

The search for the "and I try and I try" song usually leads back to a few legendary tracks that have stood the test of time. Whether it is the 90s alternative power of 4 Non Blondes, the 60s rock revolution of The Rolling Stones, or the soulful rasps of Macy Gray, each song uses these simple words to convey profound human emotions. By identifying the genre, the era, and the vocal style, you can quickly find the track that has been playing in your mind.

FAQ

Which "I try" song is famous on TikTok and YouTube?

The most viral song featuring these lyrics is "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes. It is frequently used in memes, notably the "He-Man" parody video, and has become a staple for karaoke and cover videos.

Is there a song that just says "I try, I try, I try" over and over?

The Rolling Stones’ "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" features the most rhythmic and repetitive use of "and I try, and I try, and I try, and I try" during its bridge.

Is "I Try" by Macy Gray a cover?

No, Macy Gray’s "I Try" is an original song co-written by her for her debut album On How Life Is. It is often confused with other songs because the title is so common.

What is the newest song with these lyrics?

As of early 2025, "I Try, I Try" by The Altons is a popular choice within the soul and R&B communities, known for its authentic vintage sound.

Who sang "And I try, oh my God do I try"?

This specific line belongs to Linda Perry, the lead singer of 4 Non Blondes, in their 1993 hit "What's Up?".