Tried And True by Ween Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Psychedelic Layers of Connection
Lyrics
I called you on, the force, of time and space, calling
And as she came, to me, I fell back down, realizing
Oh that it’s cool, for you, to love me now, I’m everything
Everything, ’cause tried, and true, I see the light in you
Oh han you dig in my soul, could you smell my whole, life?
You bent the edge, eclipsed, and turned around, aligning
And though the dark, sparked rays of violet light, blinding
I went about, the job, of sowing thoughts, and feelings
Oh some were good, some bad, I felt the cries, of healing
‘Cause tried and true, I see the light in you
Oh can you dig in my soul, could you smell my whole, life?
Rise, my Dawn, you’ve been awake too long
Let me rest in time, while I blow your mind
At the dawn, I woke, I was alone, rising (I got ya)
I called you on, the force, of time and space, calling (see them)
And as she came, to me, I fell back down, realizing (creation)
that it’s cool, for you, to love me now, I’m everything (I am)
Everything,’cause tried and true, I see the light in you
Can you dig in my soul, could you smell my whole, life?
Ween’s ‘Tried and True’, a gem from their 2003 album ‘Quebec,’ operates on a plane that marries psychedelic rock with a deeply personal narrative. The band, known for their genre-defying sound, delves into themes of cosmic connection and introspection with this track, challenging the listener to engage in a form of self-discovery through music.
Beneath its seemingly straightforward melody lies a complex lyrical puzzle. One moment serene and meditative, the next visceral and probing, the song implores the audience to peel back its layers. The sonic landscape Ween creates serves as a vehicle for listeners to navigate the vastness of their own inner space and the shared experience of consciousness.
The Cosmic Call of Loneliness and Love
The song opens with the protagonist awakening to solitude, an evocation of the isolation we all feel at various points in our lives. The ‘force of time and space’ serves as both a barrier and a bridge, making us acutely aware of our solitary existence, yet offering the promise of connection beyond the physical realm.
As the lyrics progress, there’s a sudden shift; the calling is answered, and companionship arrives in the ethereal form of a muse or a lover. This transition from isolation to communion with another mirrors our own journey for connection, emphasizing that the recognition of another’s essence is a powerful form of love.
Sowing Thoughts: The Garden of the Mind
The metaphor of ‘sowing thoughts and feelings’ paints a vivid image of the mind as a garden – one where ideas are planted, nurtured, or sometimes left to wither. This speaks to personal growth and the cultivation of the self, where both positive and negative experiences contribute to our wholeness.
Healing, as portrayed in this segment, isn’t without pain. It’s a cry, a release, suggesting that only through embracing all facets of life—joy and sorrow—can we approach a state of true healing and understanding.
A Brush with the Divine: The Hidden Meaning in ‘Tried and True’
One could argue that ‘Tried and True’ is about an encounter with a divine or otherworldly presence. The ‘violet light’ and the morning dawn conjure a meeting with something greater than the self. In this, Ween invites listeners to consider moments of personal epiphany as sacred touchpoints.
The very request to ‘dig in my soul’ and notice the ‘whole life’ can be seen as a yearning for a profound understanding that transcends human limitations, embracing a universal love and recognition.
The Mind-Altering Refrain: Profound Simplicity in Repetition
The recurring lines, ‘Everything, ’cause tried, and true, I see the light in you,’ take on a mantra-like quality. Through repetition, this phrase becomes a meditative focal point, encapsulating the song’s central truths about authentic connection and the recognition of an inherent ‘light’ within each individual.
This ‘light’ is symbolic of pure being, the essence that remains when layers of societal roles and personal hang-ups are stripped away. The note of optimistic certainty in these lines is a soothing balm, an affirmation of intrinsic worth and the potential for mutual recognition.
Memorable Lines: The Echoes of Inner Space
‘Oh can you dig in my soul, could you smell my whole, life?’ This line in particular stands out for its intimate appeal. It’s not just an invitation but a challenge to truly know someone, to explore their depth entirely – an act both revealing and vulnerable.
The tactile imagery of ‘smell’ in this context blurs the boundaries between the senses, suggesting an experience of someone else’s life that is so deeply immersive it defies conventional perception. It’s a moment in the song where the personal meets the universal in a plea for genuine connection.
