Music Review: George Michael "One More Try"
George Michael
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One More Try
Album: Faith
Year: 1988
George Michael is afraid to begin another relationship in the solemn "One More Try."
A downcast synth opens the single, setting a desolated tone. In the first verse, he says loveless flings and one-sided relationships have left him disillusioned. He's hoping to find a girlfriend who will take care of him and whom he can trust.
He asks for her honesty regarding their budding romance. If she doesn't think she can fall in love and be in a committed relationship with him, then she should forget him. In the pre-chorus, he
In the chorus, he tells her he doesn't want to feel the pain of deception or the humilation of an insult. His last girlfriend hurt him terribly and caused him to be hesitant of forming another relationship. He would rather not risk the chance of opening himself up to anyone again.
In the second verse, he says that when was flirting with her, he was calm. It was only a possibility that something could develop. It was casual fun. If it didn't work, he could chalk it up to fate. However, she responded to his compliments and went on a couple of dates with him. Now, that it's real, he's fearful that she will break his heart.
Album: Faith
Year: 1988
George Michael is afraid to begin another relationship in the solemn "One More Try."
A downcast synth opens the single, setting a desolated tone. In the first verse, he says loveless flings and one-sided relationships have left him disillusioned. He's hoping to find a girlfriend who will take care of him and whom he can trust.
"I've had enough of danger/And people on the streets/I'm looking out for angels/Just trying to find some peace/Now I think it's time/That you let me know."
He asks for her honesty regarding their budding romance. If she doesn't think she can fall in love and be in a committed relationship with him, then she should forget him. In the pre-chorus, he
"So if you love me/Say you love me/But if you don't just let me go."
In the chorus, he tells her he doesn't want to feel the pain of deception or the humilation of an insult. His last girlfriend hurt him terribly and caused him to be hesitant of forming another relationship. He would rather not risk the chance of opening himself up to anyone again.
"'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."
In the second verse, he says that when was flirting with her, he was calm. It was only a possibility that something could develop. It was casual fun. If it didn't work, he could chalk it up to fate. However, she responded to his compliments and went on a couple of dates with him. Now, that it's real, he's fearful that she will break his heart.
"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/
In the pre- chorus, he says he's been through the heartache before. He realizes that his questioning of her feelings is unfair and demanding. However, he has to have an idea of where they stand."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."
The chorus is sung again.
A morose synth solo follows.
In the pre-chorus, he thinks she would be better off without him. He's certain she wouldn't be able to handle his efforts to push her away."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."
In the second chorus, he admits he doesn't know everything about relationships. However, he has his self-respect. He adds that he's a sullen guy who is still hurting. He doesn't want to lead on her and put her through the same things he's feeling."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/Hold you, touch you/Think that you're mine/Because there ain't no joy/For an uptown boy/Who just isn't willing to try."
In the final section, he says that he's numb. However, he's believes she will able to love him. He will take the chance on her."I'm so cold/Inside/Maybe just one more try."
Michael is doing everything he can to ensure that his girlfriend will run away. He questions her and says that he's not the type she wants to date. Even though he loves her, he would rather not be cruel to her. It's his insecurities, not hers. He believes she deserves someone who will be able to care for her. Nonetheless, she stays by his side and sympathizes with him. She's trustworthy and he knows it. But he realizes her support has gotten him to reveal why he's scared. It helps him understand he needs her, despite his protests.
The music arrangement is patient and pure. It appears to be from the girlfriend's point of view as she reassures him.
Michael's vocals are emotional and intense. He's trying to remain his composure and hold back the tears. But it seems like he's ready to crack at any moment. He gives his all and allows himself to be helpless. It's a remarkable performance.
"One More Try" is a grabbing ballad.