About the song
Alan Jackson’s “I’ll Try” is a heartfelt and enduring love song that has resonated with audiences for decades. Released in 1996 as part of his acclaimed compilation album The Greatest Hits Collection, this track quickly climbed the charts, becoming a number-one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks.
Jackson’s inspiration for writing “I’ll Try” came from a desire to create a positive love song that felt genuine and relatable. As he explained to Billboard magazine, “Everybody kept telling me, ‘You need to come out with a positive love song.’ I’ve had a lot of sad ballads, but I have a hard time writing those [positive love songs] because there’s a tendency to get real sappy with them.” Jackson’s goal was to craft a song that offered a realistic portrayal of love, acknowledging its challenges while emphasizing the enduring power of commitment.
The lyrics of “I’ll Try” paint a vivid picture of a couple facing the ups and downs of their relationship. The narrator expresses his unwavering dedication, promising to be there through thick and thin. The line “We both know too well it’s not easy together” captures the honesty and vulnerability of the relationship, acknowledging that love is not always a fairytale.
Despite the challenges, the narrator remains hopeful and determined. The song’s uplifting chorus, “I’ll try, I’ll try to be the best man I can be,” conveys a sense of resilience and optimism. Jackson’s soulful vocals and the song’s simple yet effective melody contribute to its enduring appeal.
“I’ll Try” is a timeless love ballad that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a testament to Jackson’s songwriting ability and his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships.
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Lyrics
Here we are talking about forever
Both know damn well it’s not easy together
We’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 darling 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 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 darling I’ll try
I’m not perfect
Just another man
But I will give you all that I am
I’ll try.
To be true to you I’ll try
I’ll try
To always love you I’ll try