Try To Remember

Andy Williams' song 'Try To Remember' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The lyrics invite listeners to recall a simpler, more innocent time in their lives, symbolized by the month of September. This month is depicted as a period of tranquility and natural beauty, with 'green grass' and 'yellow grain,' evoking a sense of pastoral serenity. The repetition of 'Try to remember' serves as a gentle urging to hold onto these cherished memories, suggesting that they offer comfort and guidance in the present.

The song also explores the theme of youthful innocence and the tenderness of early life experiences. Phrases like 'when you were a tender and callow fellow' and 'when life was so tender' emphasize the vulnerability and purity of youth. The imagery of dreams kept beside one's pillow and love as an ember about to billow further underscores the idea of potential and the hopeful anticipation that characterizes young love and aspirations. These memories are portrayed as precious and worth revisiting, as they can provide solace and inspiration.

As the song transitions to December, it acknowledges the inevitability of change and the onset of life's challenges, symbolized by the coming snow. However, it also suggests that remembering the warmth and fire of September can help one endure the coldness of December. The line 'without a hurt the heart will hollow' implies that while pain is an integral part of life, it is also what gives depth and meaning to our experiences. Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to let their hearts remember and follow the lessons and warmth of their past, even in the face of life's hardships.