Introduction
Rediscovering Heartache and Honesty: Why Dwight Yoakam’s “Trying” Still Speaks to the Wounded Soul
In the vast landscape of country music, few voices carry the same lonesome ache and raw sincerity as Dwight Yoakam. Known for his Bakersfield‑inspired sound and unwavering dedication to the traditional roots of the genre, Yoakam has always been more than just a singer — he’s a storyteller, a vessel for the heart’s unspoken struggles. And nowhere is that more evident than in his haunting ballad, “Trying.”
Dwight Yoakam – Trying is not just a song; it’s a quiet, unflinching confession. From the very first note, Yoakam lays his soul bare, singing not of grand gestures or sweeping declarations, but of something far more relatable — the quiet, often painful work of trying. Trying to move on. Trying to heal. Trying to make peace with what’s left behind. In this song, the word “trying” becomes a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt lost in the slow, uncertain process of letting go.
What makes “Trying” particularly resonant is its unpolished honesty. There’s no grand resolution here, no tidy emotional bow to wrap things up. Instead, Dwight offers us the beauty of effort — the quiet dignity of someone who keeps putting one foot in front of the other, even when the road ahead is filled with emotional potholes. His voice trembles with vulnerability, aching with a kind of weariness that only comes from real-life experience.
Musically, the song is stripped down — elegant in its simplicity. The gentle guitar lines and restrained production leave space for Yoakam’s voice to do what it does best: carry the weight of emotion without exaggeration or drama. It’s a performance that’s intimate and powerful in its restraint, and it reminds us of why Yoakam remains such a beloved figure in country music circles.
What’s most striking about “Trying” is how deeply it connects with listeners of a certain age — those who’ve weathered their share of loss, of compromise, of second chances that didn’t pan out. It’s the kind of song that makes you pause, stare out the window, and remember. Not with regret, but with recognition. With understanding.
For those unfamiliar with Dwight Yoakam’s softer, more introspective side, “Trying” is an ideal place to start. For longtime fans, it’s yet another example of his ability to write and perform songs that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. There’s no artifice here — just a man, a guitar, and the quiet hope that comes from refusing to give up, even when things hurt.
Because at the end of the day, trying is all many of us can do. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Let me know if you’d like me to add background on the album Population Me where “Trying” appears, or explore its live performance legacy.