We All Try by Frank Ocean Lyrics Meaning – A Quest for Faith in Humanity and Personal Beliefs
Lyrics
I believe there’s heaven, I believe in war
I believe a woman’s temple
Gives her the right to choose but baby don’t abort
I believe that marriage isn’t
Between a man and woman but between love and love
And I believe you when you say that you’ve lost all faith
But you must believe in something, something, something
You gotta believe in something, something, something
I still believe in man
A wise one asked me why
Cause I just don’t believe we’re wicked
I know that we sin but I do believe we try
We all try, the girls try, the boys try
Women try, men try, you and I try, try, we all try
I don’t believe in time travel
I don’t believe our nation’s flag is on the moon
I don’t believe our lives are simple
And I don’t believe they’re short, this is interlude
I don’t believe my hands are cleanly
Can’t believe that you would let me touch your heart
She didn’t believe me when I said that I lost my faith
You must believe in something, something, something
You gotta believe in something, something, something
I still believe in man
A wise one asked me why
Cause I just don’t believe we’re wicked
I know that we sin but I do believe we try
We all try, the girls try, the boys try
Women try, men try, you and I try, try, we all try
Try to believe (just try)
I do believe I do believe
Frank Ocean’s creativity in songwriting is not just a gift to the ear but also food for thought, raw material for those who seek to mine deeper messages about life, love, and belief. ‘We All Try’ stands as an epitome of his philosophy — a candid confession and a hopeful sermon wrapped up into one.
With his silky-smooth vocals and introspective lyrics, Ocean takes listeners on a journey through his personal manifesto, where every line feels like a window into his soul. This dive into ‘We All Try’ seeks to unravel the intricate webs of meaning behind the poetry — an analysis of a man’s grappling with divinity, morality, and the innate nature of humankind.
A Declaration of Personal Creed
From the very outset, Ocean’s words ‘I believe…’ set the stage for a profound declaration of his philosophy. It reveals the sanctity with which he approaches topics as diverse as religion, love, women’s rights, and even space travel. Each line is a testament to individualism and faith, challenging the listener to consider their own convictions.
Such a manifesto breaks the mold of pop culture’s often superficial thematics, positioning ‘We All Try’ as a contemporary reflection of the profound search for meaning in today’s world. Ocean questions societal norms, aligning with a generation that seeks to redefine traditional values according to personal and shared experiences of love and faith.
The Lyrical Symphony of Belief and Doubt
‘We All Try’ offers a symphony of belief and doubt, striking cords on sensitive and contentious issues. With a sensitivity ripe in his tone, Ocean contemplates the delicate balance between the sacred and the profane, opening up space for interpretation and introspection.
Verses dissecting war, choice, and sexuality are placed side by side with expressions of loss of faith and the relentless struggle to cling onto something substantial in life. This juxtaposition echoes the dilemmas of modern existence, where certainty is elusive and beliefs are often held in tension.
The Anthem of Human Endeavor and Its Hidden Meaning
The recurring phrase ‘We all try’ transforms the song from a personal statement into a communal anthem. It’s an acknowledgment of collective human endeavor, an olive branch extended towards the human race’s imperfect nature and the innate desire to do better.
However, the hidden layers suggest ‘trying’ as a form of salvation, a common ground of struggle wherein we find our shared humanity. Ocean thus weaves a subtle narrative of redemption, painting a picture of the world where effort is the common denominator defining our journey through belief and disbelief alike.
Romancing the Human Spirit with Memorable Lines
Who can resist the poetic charm of lines like ‘I believe a woman’s temple / Gives her the right to choose but baby don’t abort’? Ocean’s writing romances the human spirit, advocating for rights and freedoms while simultaneously lamenting the potential loss they entail.
His articulate expression of complex emotions renders ‘We All Try’ timeless. The memorable phrase ‘Try to believe (just try)’ isn’t merely a call to faith, but an empathetic appeal to the struggle behind maintaining that faith amid an often-unyielding reality.
A Sinuous Journey Between Despair and Hope
In ‘We All Try’, Ocean takes the listener on a sinuous journey that veers between despair and hope. While the assertions in the first half of the song reveal Ocean’s beliefs, the latter half uncovers a confession of lost faith and the resulting vulnerability.
Through his journey, Ocean encourages a belief in ‘something, something, something’ – representing hope as an undefined but powerful force. This vagueness is deliberate, inviting listeners to fill in the blanks with their personal beliefs, emphasizing that the essence of trying is paramount, regardless of the outcome.
