About the song
Released in 1988, this song is a cornerstone of 80s pop music, a decade often defined by its exuberant synth sounds and catchy melodies. But One More Try transcends that. It’s a song that lingers, a ballad nestled amongst the dancefloor anthems of Michael’s debut solo album, Faith.
Michael, of course, rose to fame as part of the effervescent pop duo Wham!, churning out lighthearted hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper.” But with Faith, he shed his boyband persona, emerging as a more mature and introspective artist. One More Try perfectly encapsulates this shift.
The song opens with a sense of weariness. The lyrics, “I’ve had enough of danger / And people on the streets,” paint a picture of someone longing for solace. This isn’t the carefree abandon of his Wham! days; it’s a yearning for peace, a stark contrast to the often brash and celebratory music of the 80s.
Michael’s vocals are a masterclass in vulnerability. He doesn’t belt or emote; he pleads, his voice tinged with a quiet desperation. The lyrics themselves are beautifully understated. Lines like “Now I think it’s time / That you let me know” are delivered with a raw honesty, a stark contrast to the braggadocio often found in pop music.
The melody, too, is a departure from the typical pop formula. It’s a slow burn, building tension with each verse. The chorus, with its simple yet powerful plea of “So if you love me / Say you love me / But if you don’t / Just let me go,” is a masterstroke. It’s a sentiment we can all relate to – the agonizing uncertainty of a relationship on the brink.
One More Try wasn’t just a critical darling; it was a massive commercial success, topping charts around the world. But its legacy goes beyond sales figures. It’s a song that resonated with a generation, a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the desire for connection. It marked a turning point in Michael’s career, showcasing his depth as a songwriter and vocalist.
Even today, One More Try retains its power. It’s a testament to Michael’s talent, a song that transcends genre and era, a reminder that sometimes, the quietest voices can have the most profound impact.
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Lyrics
“One More Try”
And people on the streets
I’m lookin’ out for angels
Just tryin’ to find some peace
Now I think it’s time
That you let me know
So if you love me
Say you love me
But if you don’t
Just let me go
‘Cause teacher
There are things that I don’t want to learn
And the last one I had
Made me cry
So I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
Think that you’re mine
Because it ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Whose teacher has told him goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
When you were just a stranger
And I was at your feet
I didn’t feel the danger
Now I feel the heat
That look in your eyes
Telling me “No”
So you think that you love me
Know that you need me
I wrote the song, I know it’s wrong
Just let me go
‘Cause teacher
There are things that I don’t want to learn
And the last one I had
Made me cry
So I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
Think that you’re mine
Because it ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Whose teacher has told him goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
So when you say that you need me
That you’ll never leave me
I know you’re wrong, you’re not that strong
Let me go
And teacher
There are things that I still have to learn
But the one thing I have is my pride
Oh, so I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
Think that you’re mine
Because there ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Who just isn’t willin’ to try
I’m so cold inside
Maybe just one more try