Have you ever felt like you're doing your absolute best, but it just doesn't seem enough?

Well, I get you, and so does Taylor Swift.

She captures this feeling perfectly in “this is me trying” from her eighth album, Folklore. With a simplistic melody and Taylor's signature lyrical genius, this song stands as a poetic masterpiece even without the accompaniment of music. The sincere lyrics speak directly to the heart.

In Taylor’s Folklore documentary,  she claims that the song portrays someone grappling with internal struggles, they “pull the car off the road to the lookout” and could've just driven on, but they didn't, they didn't give up, that is an act of trying, an effort to cope with their inner battles.

Taylor also explores the idea of being a “gold star” child who was often praised for excelling and having great potential. “I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting,” this brilliant metaphor showcases the bittersweet realization of the fading shine of past success.

The lyrics blend introspection with hope, a reminder that effort itself is a victory. “I just wanted you to know, this is me trying” reminding us that stumbling along the way is part of the journey, attempting and just trying is creditable.

My favorite line: “I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere, fell behind all my classmates and ended up here.” This encapsulates the experience of initial success shifting into a feeling of being left behind. The pressures of early achievement and the struggle to sustain it led to an inevitable situation where progress became circular and self-doubting. This speaks to many of us; success is not linear, and sometimes being ordinary is just as extraordinary.

Taylor's soft vocals, paired with gentle instruments, make it feel like she's sitting next to you with a fuzzy blanket, sharing her heartfelt confession by the cozy, crackling fireplace over a cup of tea (with honey). It's raw and it's honest, but there's an inexplicable comfort in hearing her put into words what so many of us have felt. The song's universal relatability encourages listeners of all ages to find their inner strength and resilience.

For those of you having a rough day, go curl up in your secret spot and listen to “this is me trying”. It certainly will provide some comfort and peace. That's Taylor Swift's magic right there.