Song Meaning

Nana Mouskouri's rendition of "Try to Remember" isn't just nostalgia; it's a carefully constructed psychological landscape. The song meaning revolves around memory as a survival mechanism, a way to navigate the harsh realities of the present by accessing the idealized past. September, with its mellow atmosphere and vibrant colors, represents a time of innocence and potential, a stark contrast to the "deep December" of the present, a period characterized by coldness and hardship. The repeated exhortation to "follow, follow" suggests that remembering isn't merely a passive act but an active choice, a deliberate path towards emotional well-being. This journey into memory offers a way to reconnect with a sense of self that may have been lost or obscured by life's challenges. The lyrics subtly acknowledge the selective nature of memory. We're not asked to remember everything, only the "tender" moments, the dreams kept "beside your pillow," and the love that was "an ember about to billow." This curated selection highlights the human tendency to filter experiences, emphasizing the positive while minimizing the negative. The "hurt" that the heart will follow, mentioned in the bridge, implies an underlying awareness of the pain inherent in life, a pain that memory can, at least temporarily, alleviate. The willow tree, the only thing that "worked" in the remembered past, symbolizes a life in harmony with nature, free from the pressures of modern existence. Ultimately, "Try to Remember" is a meditation on the power of memory to sustain us through difficult times. It’s an acknowledgement that while the present may be bleak, the past holds the key to resilience and hope. Mouskouri's gentle delivery underscores the vulnerability and emotional honesty at the heart of the song, inviting listeners to engage in their own acts of remembering, to find solace and strength in the echoes of a brighter past. It suggests that by actively recalling the "fire of September," we can find the warmth needed to endure the cold of December, transforming memory from a passive reflection into an active force for healing and growth.