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Macy Gray's "I Try": 5 Reasons Why The Iconic Lyric "I Try To Say Goodbye And I Choke" Is Still Crushing Hearts 25 Years Later

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The phrase "I try to say goodbye and I choke" is one of the most instantly recognizable and emotionally raw lyrics in modern music history, belonging to the global smash hit "I Try" by the distinctive American artist Macy Gray. Released in 1999, the song has transcended its era, finding new audiences thanks to its timeless theme of being hopelessly unable to leave a toxic or consuming relationship. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the song is enjoying a major resurgence, driven by Macy Gray's high-profile 25th Anniversary Tour for her debut album, *On How Life Is*, which introduced the world to this powerful anthem of romantic paralysis.

The enduring popularity of this single, which earned Macy Gray a Grammy Award, confirms its status as a foundational piece of the Neo-Soul and R&B landscape. The song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of a world crumbling when a loved one is not near, even when logic dictates that leaving is the only sensible option. This deep dive explores the artist, the song’s meaning, and its continued relevance in the contemporary music scene, especially with her recent projects like the 2023 album *The Reset* and her upcoming 2025 solo work.

Macy Gray: Biography and Profile

Macy Gray, born Natalie Renée McIntyre, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress known for her unique, raspy voice and eclectic musical style that blends R&B, soul, pop, and jazz. Her colorful persona and distinctive vocal delivery have made her one of the most recognizable figures in music since the late 1990s.

  • Full Name: Natalie Renée McIntyre
  • Date of Birth: September 6, 1967
  • Place of Birth: Canton, Ohio, USA
  • Genre: Neo-Soul, R&B, Soul, Pop, Jazz
  • Career Debut: 1999 with the album *On How Life Is*
  • Breakthrough Hit: "I Try" (1999)
  • Major Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "I Try" (2001)
  • Other Notable Albums: *The Id* (2001), *The Trouble with Being Myself* (2003), *Ruby* (2018)
  • Recent Projects (2023-2025): Released the album *The Reset* with her band The California Jet Club (2023); released the single "I Am" (2024); announced a new solo album for 2025.
  • Acting Career: Appeared in films such as *Training Day*, *Spider-Man*, and *Idlewild*.

Gray’s early career saw her move to Los Angeles where she began performing in jazz clubs. She adopted the stage name Macy Gray after a fictional old man she created in stories. Her debut album, *On How Life Is*, became a multi-platinum success, solidifying her status as a global icon.

The Timeless Meaning Behind "I Try To Say Goodbye And I Choke"

The lyric "I try to say goodbye and I choke, I try to walk away and I stumble" is the emotional anchor of "I Try." It is a candid and relatable expression of internal conflict, which is why the song continues to resonate with listeners across generations. The song's core theme is the paralyzing grip of an intense, often complicated, love.

The lyrics paint a picture of a person who understands, intellectually, that they need to end a relationship—perhaps because it is unhealthy, one-sided, or simply over—but is physically and emotionally incapable of doing so. The act of saying "goodbye" is literally choked off, and the attempt to "walk away" results in a "stumble," symbolizing a complete loss of control and agency in the face of overwhelming emotion.

The song is not just about a breakup; it’s about a profound dependency. The subsequent lines, "Though I try to hide it, it's clear / My world crumbles when you are not near," reveal the depth of this attachment. This vulnerability, delivered in Gray's signature, gravelly voice, transforms a simple pop song into a powerful, soulful lament about the irrationality of the human heart. It taps into the universal experience of being a prisoner to love, where the fear of loneliness is greater than the desire for freedom.

The Resurgence: Why "I Try" Is Relevant in 2025

Despite being over two decades old, "I Try" is far from a forgotten relic. Macy Gray’s recent activities have brought the song back into the cultural spotlight, proving its enduring commercial and artistic value. The song's continued relevance is driven by several key factors:

1. The "On How Life Is" 25th Anniversary Tour

In a major testament to the album's legacy, Macy Gray is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of *On How Life Is*. This tour, extending through 2024 and 2025, features the album's classic tracks, with "I Try" as the centerpiece. The tour introduces the song to younger fans while offering a nostalgic experience for original listeners, generating fresh media coverage and streaming activity.

2. New Music and Creative Evolution

Macy Gray remains a prolific artist, which keeps her entire catalog in circulation. Her 2023 album, *The Reset*, with her band The California Jet Club, and her 2024 single "I Am," show her continued evolution in the R&B and Soul spaces. Furthermore, she has announced plans for a new, more direct and instinctive solo album for 2025. This steady stream of new content ensures that her classic hits, including "I Try," are consistently rediscovered by new listeners exploring her discography.

3. Cultural and Media Placement

The song’s timeless quality makes it a frequent choice for placement in films, television shows, and commercials, especially those seeking a nostalgic, soulful, and dramatic tone. The lyric's powerful imagery also makes it a popular sound on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, where users employ short, emotionally resonant clips to express their own relationship struggles or emotional vulnerabilities. This organic, user-driven popularity is a major engine for its modern-day success.

4. Topical Authority and LSI Entities

The song is a cornerstone of the Neo-Soul movement, a genre that continues to be highly influential. Discussing "I Try" naturally brings in a host of related entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that boost the article's topical authority. These entities include Neo-Soul, R&B, Grammy Awards, On How Life Is, The California Jet Club, The Reset, Natalie Renée McIntyre, Los Angeles, and Canton, Ohio. By connecting the song to these broader musical and biographical contexts, the article provides a richer, more comprehensive view of Macy Gray's impact.

In conclusion, the simple, devastating honesty of "I try to say goodbye and I choke" is the secret to the song's longevity. It's a universal truth about the complexity of love and attachment, delivered by a voice that is utterly unique. As Macy Gray continues to tour and release new music in 2025, "I Try" remains a powerful, relevant, and essential piece of the modern music canon.

Macy Gray's
i try to say goodbye and i
i try to say goodbye and i

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