But We Keep on Trying

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of persistent activism, acknowledging repeated setbacks without succumbing to despair. The narrator recounts failed attempts to achieve political goals, like unseating a mayor or securing equality, but immediately counters each defeat with the unwavering resolve: "But we keep on trying." This refrain acts as both a statement of fact and a mantra, underscoring a commitment to the cause despite the lack of immediate victories. The central tension lies in the contrast between the tangible failures and the intangible, yet powerful, spirit of perseverance. The narrator poses rhetorical questions like "So what if the plans didn't go to plan?" and "So what if we didn't stick it to the man?" These aren't expressions of apathy, but rather a defiant reorientation, shifting focus from the outcome to the act of continuing the struggle itself. The bridge introduces a raw vulnerability, admitting the immense difficulty of the fight with lines like "But it's so tough / When living's against you." This moment of honesty makes the subsequent refrain, "Keeping on, keeping on," feel earned and deeply human. The slight, almost imperceptible shift in the line "Ho-ney, I can't hold on much longer / Ho-ney, I can hold on much longer now" suggests a wavering resolve that ultimately pulls back from the brink, reinforcing the theme of enduring. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their directness and the relentless repetition of the core message. By acknowledging the struggle and the disappointment, then immediately reaffirming the commitment to try again, the song captures the gritty reality of long-term advocacy. It’s not about grand victories, but the quiet, stubborn refusal to give up, making the simple phrase "keep on trying" resonate with a profound sense of resilience.