Try to Remember

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a yearning for a simpler, more innocent past, specifically a "tender and callow" September. The narrator urges us to recall a time when life was "slow and oh, so mellow," when emotions were gentle, and dreams were cherished. This idealized memory serves as a stark contrast to the present, which is implied to be harsher, perhaps even cold, as suggested by the mention of "Deep in December." The central tension lies in the act of remembering itself as a form of solace against present hardship. The repeated phrase "Try to remember" acts as a mantra, a desperate plea to recapture a lost feeling. This is amplified by Luisa's insistent "Follow, follow," suggesting that the path forward is somehow tied to this act of recollection, even if the destination remains unclear. The most striking craft element is the juxtaposition of "September" and "December." September is depicted as a season of warmth, growth, and nascent love ("ember about to billow"), while December represents a colder, perhaps more somber reality where "the snow will follow." This seasonal contrast underscores the emotional distance between the remembered past and the present. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they tap into a universal human desire to hold onto moments of peace and happiness when faced with life's inevitable difficulties. The gentle imagery of green grass and yellow grain, contrasted with the implied chill of December, creates a poignant emotional landscape that makes the call to "remember and follow" feel both hopeful and melancholic.