To Try for the Sun

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of youthful resilience against hardship. The narrator and a "gypsy boy" face harsh conditions, sleeping "on the breeze in the midnight" with "rain droppin' tears." Despite their material poverty, a defiant spirit emerges, encapsulated in the repeated chorus: "who's goin' to be the one / To say it was no good what we done?" This isn't just about survival; it's a bold assertion of self-worth against societal judgment. The central tension lies between the narrator's perceived youth and their lived experience. While they "huddle in a derelict buildin'" and the boy offers his coat, a profound connection forms, suggesting a maturity beyond their years. The lyrics note their combined age is "thirty," yet their "eyes told the dawn we were old." This contrast highlights a wisdom gained through struggle, challenging any notion that their actions or aspirations are naive. The most striking craft element is the juxtaposition of external bleakness with internal aspiration. The "windy city," "derelict buildin'," and "rain droppin' tears" set a somber scene. Yet, the narrator declares, "I'm goin' to try for the sun." This powerful metaphor signifies a relentless pursuit of hope, light, and a better future, even when surrounded by darkness and decay. The "mirror, mirror, hangin' in the sky" further emphasizes this plea for recognition and validation of their struggle and dreams. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw honesty and the defiant optimism they convey. The narrator's challenge to anyone who would deem their actions "no good" or call them "too young" is a powerful statement of agency. It suggests that true worth isn't measured by comfort or societal approval, but by the courage to face adversity and "try for the sun" regardless of the circumstances.