Try to Remember

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a gentle, insistent call to recall a specific "kind of September." It paints a picture of an idyllic past, where life felt slow and deeply mellow. This initial imagery immediately establishes a tone of warm nostalgia, inviting the listener to step back into a simpler time. The focus is on a youthful, inexperienced self, set against a backdrop of vibrant "grass was green." The shift to "Deep in December" introduces a poignant contrast, acknowledging the passage of time and the inevitable arrival of colder realities. Yet, the lyrics suggest remembering isn't just a pleasant escape; it's a vital act. The speaker notes that "the snow will follow," subtly grounding the reflection in the present and hinting at life's ongoing challenges. This tension between past warmth and present chill drives the emotional core. A striking philosophical turn arrives with the declaration that "Without a hurt the heart is hollow." This unexpected insight reframes memory, suggesting that even the difficult or formative experiences of that "fire of September" are essential. The repeated command to "Try to remember" evolves from simple recollection to a deeper understanding of how past intensity shapes a present, more profound self.