This Is Me Trying: Taylor Swift Lyrics (German Translation)

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of Taylor Swift's most heart-wrenching and relatable songs: "this is me trying." For all my German-speaking Swifties (or those learning German!), I'm providing a detailed look at the lyrics and their German translation. Get ready to feel all the feels and maybe even learn a thing or two about German along the way. Let's get started!

Understanding the Emotional Depth of "this is me trying"

Before we jump into the German translation, let's quickly recap what makes "this is me trying" such a powerful song. Released as part of Taylor's surprise album folklore in 2020, the song explores themes of struggle, failure, and the earnest effort to overcome personal challenges. It's a raw and honest portrayal of someone grappling with their imperfections and trying to navigate difficult circumstances. The beauty of Taylor's songwriting here lies in its vulnerability and the universal relatability of its message. Whether you're dealing with mental health issues, relationship problems, or just feeling lost in life, "this is me trying" speaks to the human experience of striving despite the odds. The song's subdued melody and evocative lyrics create an atmosphere of introspection and empathy, making it a standout track in Taylor's discography. The phrase "this is me trying" itself becomes an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they're not quite measuring up but are still putting in the effort. It's a reminder that even when we stumble and fall, the act of trying is valuable in itself. Taylor's ability to capture these complex emotions with such simplicity and grace is what makes her such a beloved and influential artist. So, with that emotional context in mind, let's explore how these powerful lyrics translate into German.

"this is me trying" Lyrics: English and German

Okay, Swifties, let's get to the heart of the matter. I'm going to break down the lyrics of "this is me trying" line by line, providing both the original English lyrics and their German translation. I'll also offer some notes on the nuances of the German language and how they capture the song's emotional essence. Get ready to sing along – in both languages!

Verse 1

• English:
  • I've been having a hard time adjusting, I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting
• German:
  • Ich hatte Schwierigkeiten, mich anzupassen, ich hatte die glänzendsten Räder, jetzt rosten sie
• Notes: The German translation here is fairly straightforward. "Schwierigkeiten" captures the sense of having a hard time, and "die glänzendsten Räder" vividly translates the imagery of shiny wheels. The verb "rosten" perfectly conveys the idea of rusting, maintaining the original's poignant metaphor for decline.

Chorus

• English:
  • And maybe I don't know what to do, but this is me trying
• German:
  • Und vielleicht weiß ich nicht, was ich tun soll, aber das ist mein Versuch
• Notes: This is the heart of the song, and the German translation captures its essence beautifully. "Vielleicht weiß ich nicht, was ich tun soll" directly translates to "maybe I don't know what to do." The phrase "das ist mein Versuch" is a very direct and accurate translation of "this is me trying". The strength in these words is not lost in translation.

Verse 2

• English:
  • They told me all of my cages were mental, so I got wasted to try to unwrite them
• German:
  • Sie sagten mir, alle meine Käfige wären mental, also habe ich mich betrunken, um zu versuchen, sie ungeschehen zu machen
• Notes: This verse delves into deeper themes of mental struggle. The German translation, "Sie sagten mir, alle meine Käfige wären mental," effectively conveys the idea of mental cages. The phrase "also habe ich mich betrunken, um zu versuchen, sie ungeschehen zu machen" is a bit more verbose than the English, but it accurately captures the idea of trying to erase those mental barriers through intoxication.

Chorus

• English:
  • And maybe I don't know what to do, but this is me trying
• German:
  • Und vielleicht weiß ich nicht, was ich tun soll, aber das ist mein Versuch
• Notes: Again, the chorus retains its emotional punch in German. The repetition reinforces the song's central theme of persistent effort despite uncertainty.

Bridge

• English:
  • I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere, fell behind all my classmates, and I ended up here
• German:
  • Ich war der Kurve so weit voraus, dass die Kurve zu einer Kugel wurde, fiel hinter alle meine Klassenkameraden zurück, und ich landete hier
• Notes: This bridge uses vivid imagery to depict a sense of falling behind. The German translation, "Ich war der Kurve so weit voraus, dass die Kurve zu einer Kugel wurde," maintains this imagery effectively. The phrase "fiel hinter alle meine Klassenkameraden zurück, und ich landete hier" accurately conveys the feeling of being left behind and ending up in a difficult place.

Chorus

• English:
  • And maybe I don't know what to do, but this is me trying
• German:
  • Und vielleicht weiß ich nicht, was ich tun soll, aber das ist mein Versuch
• Notes: The repetition of the chorus continues to emphasize the theme of persistent effort.

Outro

• English:
  • At least I'm trying
• German:
  • Wenistens versuche ich es
• Notes: The outro is simple yet powerful, and the German translation, "Wenistens versuche ich es", retains that power. It's a poignant reminder that even when we don't succeed, the act of trying is meaningful.

Key Differences and Nuances in Translation

While the German translation of "this is me trying" is remarkably faithful to the original, there are always subtle differences and nuances to consider when translating between languages. One key difference is the length of the phrases. German tends to be a more verbose language than English, so some of the translated lines are slightly longer than their English counterparts. However, this doesn't detract from the song's overall impact. Additionally, some of the idiomatic expressions in English don't have direct equivalents in German, so the translator has to find creative ways to convey the same meaning. For example, the phrase "ahead of the curve" is translated as "der Kurve so weit voraus," which literally means "so far ahead of the curve." While this translation is accurate, it doesn't quite capture the same idiomatic feel as the original. Nevertheless, the German translation of "this is me trying" does an excellent job of capturing the song's emotional depth and conveying its message of perseverance and resilience. The translator has successfully navigated the challenges of translating complex emotions and idiomatic expressions, resulting in a translation that is both accurate and moving.

Why This Translation Matters

Translating songs like "this is me trying" into different languages is super important for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows a wider audience to connect with the music on a deeper level. When people can understand the lyrics in their native language, they're more likely to grasp the emotional nuances and relate to the song's message. Secondly, it promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. By translating songs, we're opening up a window into different cultures and perspectives. This can help us to break down barriers and build bridges between people from different backgrounds. Finally, it's just plain fun! Learning the lyrics to your favorite songs in another language is a great way to improve your language skills and expand your cultural horizons. So, whether you're a German speaker who wants to understand the lyrics of "this is me trying" more fully, or an English speaker who wants to learn some German, I hope this translation has been helpful and informative.

Final Thoughts: Keep Trying!

"This is me trying" is a song that resonates with so many of us because it speaks to the universal human experience of struggling and striving. Whether you're facing mental health challenges, relationship problems, or just feeling lost in life, this song reminds us that it's okay to not have all the answers. What matters most is that we keep trying, keep putting in the effort, and keep moving forward, even when it's hard. And hopefully, this German translation allows even more people to find solace and inspiration in Taylor Swift's beautiful and honest music. So, keep singing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep trying! You've got this, guys!