Meaning of "I Tried" by Brandy

"I Tried" tells a story of a relationship tainted by betrayal and infidelity. The narrator is sitting at home, feeling cold and vulnerable. They long for some comfort and choose to listen to Coldplay, specifically a song that captures the sentiment of being driven away. The repetitive line, "Did I drive you away? I know what you'll say," suggests that the narrator is well aware of their partner's excuses and manipulative tactics.

Despite their knowledge of the partner's unfaithfulness, the narrator tries to turn a blind eye to the game being played. They confess that deep down, they always knew the partner wouldn't stay faithful or committed. They acknowledge their mistake of not leaving the relationship earlier, but at the time, they believed they could handle it and be "cool" with the partner's infidelity.

The lyrics also reveal the narrator's realization that their partner had been cheating on them. They notice suspicious behavior like receiving calls and leaving the room secretly, leading them to infer that their partner is involved with someone else. They express their unhappiness and resentment towards the situation, acknowledging that they brought it upon themselves.

The underlying theme of the song is the narrator's internal struggle between their desire to be cool and accepting of their partner's actions and the growing realization that they deserve better. The repetition of the phrase, "I tried to be blind to your game," emphasizes the narrator's efforts to ignore the warning signs, but ultimately, they acknowledge the need to leave the relationship. The lyrics reflect a sense of regret for not trusting their instincts earlier and a recognition of the futility of hoping for change in someone who continually disrespected them.