Taylor Swift's 'This Is Me Trying' From 'Folklore': Full Lyric Analysis

This Is Me Trying Explained

“This Is Me Trying” is a poignant and introspective track from Taylor Swift’s critically acclaimed album “Folklore,” released in 2020. The song delves into the complexities of self-reflection, personal growth, and the feelings of vulnerability that come with acknowledging one’s own mistakes and shortcomings. As with many of Taylor Swift’s songs, there are underlying layers of personal experiences and emotions that can be deciphered through the lyrics.

In the song, Swift showcases her willingness to confront her own flaws and admit her past errors. The opening verse sets the tone for introspection, with Swift singing, “I’ve been having a hard time adjusting, I had the shiniest wheels, now they’re rusting.” This line suggests that she might be acknowledging the fading of her prior successes or fame, and the challenges she faces in adapting to new circumstances.

Throughout the song, Swift touches on themes of self-doubt and the fear of failure. The chorus reveals her vulnerability, as she admits, “I didn’t know if you’d care if I came back, I have a lot of regrets about that.” This line could be interpreted as her grappling with her self-worth and questioning whether people would still accept her after her past mistakes.

Given the timing of the release of “Folklore,” it is likely that “This Is Me Trying” reflects Swift’s personal struggles during the period leading up to the album’s creation. As an artist who has faced intense scrutiny throughout her career, she may have been grappling with feelings of uncertainty and experiencing the pressure to constantly evolve and prove herself. The lyrics could also be a manifestation of her introspection during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many people were forced to confront their own flaws and uncertainties.

Fans of Taylor Swift resonated strongly with the emotional depth and vulnerability expressed in “This Is Me Trying.” Many praised the song for its relatability, as it captures the universal experience of feeling like we fall short sometimes. Particularly, Swift’s loyal fan base felt a strong connection to her honesty and vulnerability, appreciating her willingness to share her struggles and growth with them.

In terms of continuity within Swift’s discography, “This Is Me Trying” continues the narrative of growth and introspection seen in her earlier album, “Lover.” Songs like “The Archer” and “Afterglow” from “Lover” also touch upon themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and the challenges of relationships. “This Is Me Trying” serves as another chapter in her ongoing journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Additionally, the lyrics and themes explored in “This Is Me Trying” resonate with other tracks on “Folklore.” The album, as a whole, embraces a more stripped-down, introspective sound that allows Swift to delve into her emotions and experiences with a raw vulnerability. Songs like “cardigan,” “my tears ricochet,” and “invisible string” similarly tackle themes of self-reflection, past mistakes, and personal growth, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the album.

In conclusion, “This Is Me Trying” showcases Taylor Swift’s introspective and vulnerable side. The lyrics reflect her willingness to face her flaws and grow from them, capturing the universal experience of feeling like we fall short sometimes. As with many of her songs, this track carries personal undertones, likely representing Swift’s own struggles and growth during the time leading up to the album’s creation. Her dedicated fan base resonated strongly with the emotional depth of the song, appreciating her honesty and vulnerability. The song connects with other tracks on “Folklore” and continues Swift’s overarching narrative of self-discovery and acceptance seen throughout her discography.