Try to Remember

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a wistful longing for a past September, characterized by a gentle, unhurried pace and vibrant natural imagery. The narrator urges the listener to recall a time when life felt simpler, using sensory details like "grass was green and grain was yellow." This idealized September is also associated with youth and innocence, describing the listener as a "tender and callow fellow." The repeated command to "Try to remember" acts as a direct invitation to access these cherished memories, suggesting that remembering is the first step towards recapturing that feeling. The central tension lies in the contrast between the remembered warmth of September and the present reality, particularly the bleakness of "deep in December." The lyrics suggest that this present coldness, both literal and emotional, makes the act of remembering even more crucial. The idea that "without a hurt the heart is hollow" implies that while remembering the past might bring a pang of sadness for what's lost, it's also what gives life meaning and prevents emotional emptiness. The past "fire of September" is presented as the source of the mellow feeling that is now absent. The most striking craft element is the persistent, almost hypnotic repetition of "Try to remember" and the echoing "Follow." This repetition emphasizes the difficulty and importance of the task, making it feel like a mantra or a gentle command. The structure, moving from the specific recall of September to the present state of December, highlights the passage of time and the enduring power of memory. The imagery of "dreams were kept beside your pillow" and "love was an ember about to billow" evokes a sense of nascent possibility and gentle passion, contrasting with the implied current lack of such feelings. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they tap into a universal human desire to revisit moments of peace and happiness, especially when facing current difficulties. The act of remembering is framed not just as a passive recollection but as an active choice, a way to find warmth and substance in the present by reconnecting with the vibrant essence of the past. The final, insistent "Follow" suggests that this act of remembering should lead to a renewed sense of purpose or a return to that earlier, more mellow state of being.