Introduction:
Tryin’ to Matter: A Look at Toby Keith’s Introspective Ballad
Released in 2001 on Toby Keith’s album “Pull My Chain,” “Tryin’ To Matter” stands out as a more introspective song in Keith’s repertoire. Known for his brash patriotism and anthemic country tunes, “Tryin’ To Matter” delves into themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the longing for purpose.
While details about the song’s origin haven’t been widely shared, it likely reflects a period of personal reflection for Keith. The early 2000s found him at a commercial peak, but critical reception for his more braggadocious songs had begun to wane. Perhaps “Tryin’ To Matter” was a way for Keith to explore the weight of fame and the human desire for connection that can sometimes get lost along the way.
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a man stuck in a monotonous routine. The opening line, “I’m a lonely man with a lonely life,” sets the tone. He’s got a “full-time job and part-time wife,” suggesting a loveless marriage and a feeling of emptiness despite his seemingly stable life. The chorus pleads, “I’m just tryin’ to matter, in this crazy world that’s spinnin’ out of control,” expressing a universal yearning for significance and a place to belong.
“Tryin’ To Matter” wasn’t a chart-topping hit for Toby Keith, but it resonated with fans who connected with its vulnerability. It showed a different side of the country star, one grappling with questions of identity and purpose. In a genre often focused on bravado and celebration, “Tryin’ To Matter” offered a quieter truth, acknowledging the struggles that can lie beneath the surface of a seemingly successful life.