"No Matter How I Try" is a song by Gilbert O'Sullivan, released in 1971 as a single and featured on his album "Himself." The song is a reflection on a relationship that the narrator finds hard to let go of, despite the challenges and differences they face. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and resignation to the fact that the narrator cannot bring themselves to say goodbye and move on. They express their longing for the relationship to continue, even though it may not be healthy or fulfilling. The line "Looks like I'm here to stay" suggests that the narrator feels trapped in the relationship and unable to break free, regardless of their efforts. They question if there is someone else who might value them as a backup option ("Is there a tyre somewhere that may take me as a spare?") or if they can find any worth or purpose elsewhere ("Is there a bank in town that might cash me as a pound?"). The song also touches upon the physical differences between the narrator and their partner. The line "She's almost six foot five, I'm only five feet two" highlights the contrast in their height, symbolizing their overall mismatch and a lack of compatibility. The reference to being kept in quarantine may allude to the feeling of being isolated and restricted within the relationship. It could suggest that the narrator feels confined and unable to explore new experiences or find happiness beyond their current circumstances. The song's lyrics ultimately express the narrator's struggle to let go, their longing for a way out, and their realization that they may be stuck in an unfulfilling relationship. It captures the complexities of love, attachment, and the difficulty of saying goodbye.
