Meaning of "I've Tried Everything" by The Cribs

The lyrics of "I've Tried Everything" delve into the idea of searching for meaning and fulfillment in life, only to come up empty-handed. The narrator reflects on their roots in 'The Merrie City', feeling a sense of stagnation and longing for something beyond what their current environment offers. Despite attempting to escape and find solace in different places like Brighton, the narrator realizes that physical location does not solve their underlying sense of discontent. The mention of love being a lie and attraction being merely instinctual highlights the narrator's disillusionment with traditional sources of happiness. The repeated refrain of "Still missing something, and I've tried everything" underscores the ongoing struggle to find true satisfaction and purpose in life. The references to social cues like being too polite or unassertive hint at deeper issues of communication and connection with others, adding to the sense of alienation and longing for more meaningful relationships. Overall, the song captures the universal experience of feeling adrift and yearning for a sense of belonging or purpose, despite attempting various avenues to fill that void.