The lyrics use striking metaphors to describe the internal chaos of anxiety and depression:
For many in the community, "Trying" has become an anthem for those who feel they are "difficult" to love because of their mental health. It resonates particularly with queer and trans youth who find comfort in Skinner's candidness about his own growth and identity. The transition from the raw, 2015 bedroom-pop version to the more polished Sleepyhead production mirrors Skinner’s own journey as an artist—refining his voice while keeping the same vulnerable heart. Cavetown is trying to change - The Line of Best Fit Cavetown - Trying
: The lyrics "I've never hated myself more" are balanced by the gratitude for a friend or loved one who is still "trying" to be there. The lyrics use striking metaphors to describe the
: By labeling his current state as just a "bump in the road," the song offers a glimmer of hope. It frames the pain not as a permanent failure, but as a difficult phase that requires constant, albeit exhausting, effort to overcome. Impact and Legacy Cavetown is trying to change - The Line
: Skinner describes feeling like he is in a "dream state" where he should have "woken up by now," a common sentiment for those experiencing dissociation or a sense of being stuck in a cycle of poor mental health.
: Lines like "I'm trying to shout but no sound comes out" emphasize the isolation of mental illness—knowing you need help but being unable to bridge the gap to reach others. The Central Message: "I Promise I'm Trying"