Keep On Trying

Song Meaning

Luke Steele's "Keep On Trying" isn't just a song; it's a raw nerve exposed, a confession whispered from the edge of burnout. The relentless repetition of "So hard but I keep on tryin'" becomes a mantra, a desperate attempt to self-soothe against the overwhelming pressure. The song meaning resides in that tension between exhaustion and resilience, between the desire to flee and the stubborn refusal to give in. It's a sentiment that resonates deeply in a culture obsessed with productivity and performance, where the line between passion and self-destruction often blurs. Steele isn't offering platitudes; he's acknowledging the brutal reality of navigating a world that often feels actively hostile. The lyrics hint at the specific anxieties of a performer in the digital age. The image of a failed live stream, where "My heart left my body / And I was just a skeleton," is a potent metaphor for the disembodiment and vulnerability inherent in online performance. It speaks to the intense self-consciousness and fear of judgment that plague so many artists, amplified by the unforgiving gaze of social media. The refrain, "People are so vicious at the best of times / So hard to just be human," underscores this sense of alienation, suggesting that even in moments of connection, the threat of criticism and negativity looms large. Ultimately, "Keep On Trying" is an anthem for the perpetually overwhelmed. It doesn't offer easy answers or a guaranteed path to success. Instead, it acknowledges the struggle, the pain, and the constant effort required to simply keep going. The fact that Steele keeps repeating the phrase "Keep On Trying" is also significant. The repetition itself mirrors the cyclical nature of the struggle. The song's power lies in its honesty, in its willingness to admit that sometimes, just showing up is a victory in itself. The simplicity of the lyrics doesn't detract from their emotional weight; instead, it amplifies the universal experience of pushing through adversity, even when every fiber of your being screams for you to stop.