Try for the Sun

Song Meaning

Lindsey Buckingham's "Try for the Sun" shimmers with a deceptively simple yearning. On the surface, it's a tale of youthful rebellion, two souls seeking solace and perhaps something more in a world that doesn't understand them. The derelict building becomes their sanctuary, a space outside societal judgment where they can "try for the sun," a potent metaphor for pursuing hope and happiness against the odds. But beneath the surface lies a deeper exploration of societal constraints and the courage it takes to defy them. The "gypsy girl," a loaded term, evokes a sense of otherness, of existing outside the norm. The song's core question revolves around judgment: "And who will be the one / To say it was no good what we done?" This isn't just adolescent angst; it's a challenge to the status quo. Buckingham dares anyone to condemn their pursuit of joy, their attempt to break free from preordained paths. The repetition of "We were only trying for the sun" acts as both a defense and a mantra, a persistent claim to innocence and good intentions. It suggests that their actions, whatever they may be, are motivated by a fundamental human desire for light and warmth, not malice or recklessness. The "mirror mirror in the sky" adds another layer, hinting at a desperate search for validation or guidance from some higher power. Unable to find answers on Earth, they look to the heavens, seeking a sign, a direction. This reflects a universal human experience: the longing for meaning and purpose in a chaotic world. Ultimately, "Try for the Sun" isn't just about two young people; it's about anyone who has ever dared to dream, to reach for something beyond the confines of their circumstances, and to face the inevitable judgment that comes with it. It's a testament to the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.