Song Meaning
Lindsey Buckingham's "To Try for the Sun" sketches a portrait of youthful defiance against a backdrop of societal judgment. The song's power lies in its raw simplicity, painting a scene of two young souls seeking solace and perhaps something more profound within the confines of a broken-down building. The opening lines, "We huddled in the derelict building / The gypsy girl and I," immediately establish a sense of isolation and otherness. This isn't just about physical shelter; it's a refuge from a world that likely misunderstands or condemns their connection. The "rain and tears in our eyes" suggest a shared vulnerability, hinting at past hurts or future uncertainties that bind them together. Their attempt to make a "bed together" speaks to a primal need for comfort and intimacy in the face of adversity.
The chorus becomes a defiant anthem, a challenge to anyone who dares criticize their choices. Buckingham's repetition of "I dare anyone, dare anyone to say we were too young" is not just bravado; it's a desperate plea for validation. The central metaphor, "We were only trying for the sun," encapsulates their yearning for something brighter, a hope that transcends their bleak circumstances. This pursuit of the sun can be interpreted as a search for love, acceptance, or simply a better life – a universal desire made poignant by their marginalized position. It is a rejection of the cynicism of the world, a powerful declaration of hope and resilience in the face of judgment.
The bridge introduces a broader, almost cosmic perspective with the lines, "Mirror, mirror in the sky / Won't you look what's happening here below." This isn't a plea to a fairytale object, but a call for understanding from a detached, indifferent universe. "No one knows what's going on / Can you give us a sign where to go" reflects a deep-seated confusion and a search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and arbitrary. It's a recognition that their struggle is not unique, but part of a larger human condition, a collective search for guidance and purpose. The repetition of the chorus after this bridge reinforces the song's central message: despite the uncertainty and judgment, their pursuit of the sun remains a valid and inherently human endeavor. "To Try for the Sun" becomes a testament to the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can still reach for the light.
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