About The Song
Maybe you grew up in a small town, a place where everyone knows your name and life follows a familiar rhythm. Maybe you built a career with your own two hands, the kind of work that leaves callouses and a sense of accomplishment. Perhaps, though, somewhere along the way, that rhythm started to falter, the satisfaction a little less fulfilling. This is the world of Tryin’ To Matter, a song by the iconic country artist Toby Keith.
Released in 2001 on Keith’s album Pull My Chain, Tryin’ To Matter isn’t your typical, upbeat country anthem. This ballad speaks to a quieter side of life, the one where the miles and the years leave their mark, and the question of purpose starts to gnaw at the edges. Keith, known for his bravado and celebration of the American spirit, takes a more introspective turn here. His gruff baritone tackles themes of loneliness, a fading sense of connection, and the yearning to find meaning in a life that feels a little adrift.
Tryin’ To Matter isn’t about despair, though. It’s a song of quiet resilience, the kind that comes from looking hard truths in the eye. It’s about the blue-collar worker, the single parent, anyone who feels like they’re just going through the motions. It’s the anthem of those who haven’t given up, who are still Tryin’ To Matter, even when the world seems to be moving on without them. So, if you’ve ever felt a little lost in the shuffle, a little overlooked, this song is for you. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, and that even the quietest lives can leave their mark.