Try Everything

Overview
At its core, "Try Everything" is a masterclass in the philosophy of growth mindset. It deconstructs the illusion of effortless success, positing instead that failure is not the opposite of success, but a necessary ingredient of it. The song rejects the idea of perfectionism, encouraging listeners to embrace their flaws and "new mistakes" as proof of their courage to step outside their comfort zones.

Themes of Resilience and Persistence
The lyrics explicitly tackle the fear of failure. By repeating "I wanna try even though I could fail," Shakira champions the act of trying as valuable in itself, regardless of the outcome. This counters the societal pressure to only engage in activities where success is guaranteed. The song suggests that the "end" is not a fixed point, but a continuous cycle of reaching a limit and starting again with new knowledge.

Self-Compassion
A crucial, often overlooked layer of the song is found in the bridge ("Don't beat yourself up"). Here, the meaning deepens from simple grit to psychological sustainability. It acknowledges that while persistence is key, it must be paired with self-forgiveness. The line "sometimes we come last, but we did our best" redefines winning not as beating others, but as honoring one's own effort.

Narrative Context
Within the context of the film Zootopia, the song mirrors the journey of Judy Hopps, a small rabbit entering a big city. It represents the transition from naive optimism to a more mature, hardened determination that accepts the harsh realities of the world without losing hope.

The narrative of the song begins in a moment of raw vulnerability and admission of failure. The protagonist confesses to messing up 'tonight' and losing yet another battle, painting a picture of someone who is currently standing in the wreckage of their own mistakes. Instead of hiding this defeat, the lyrics openly acknowledge the cycle of error, describing a pattern of falling down and hitting the ground repeatedly. However, this confession is not a resignation; it is the prelude to a powerful resolve. The narrator asserts that despite these constant stumbles, they always pick themselves up to face whatever comes next, establishing a core theme of resilience right from the opening verses.

As the perspective shifts, the song introduces a profound observation from the natural world to normalize failure. It reminds the listener that even birds, creatures defined by their ability to soar, do not just fly effortlessly; they fall and struggle before they master the sky. This section universalizes the struggle, insisting that nobody learns or grows without first getting things wrong. This wisdom transitions into a soaring declaration of intent where the narrator vows not to give up or give in until they reach their ultimate goal, promising to start over as many times as necessary. The chorus becomes a mantra of exploration and bravery, where the desire to 'try everything' outweighs the fear of failure.

In the bridge, the tone softens from energetic determination to compassionate self-reflection. The narrator turns inward, addressing themselves (or the listener) with gentleness, acknowledging how far they have already come. There is a recognition of the effort already exerted—'you filled your heart with love'—and a permission to pause and take a deep breath. This part of the narrative argues against the need to always run fast or be first, emphasizing that doing one's best is sufficient. It serves as an emotional anchor, balancing the drive for success with the necessity of self-care.

Finally, the song concludes by embracing the future with open arms, accepting that 'new mistakes' are inevitable. Rather than fearing these future errors, the narrator commits to making them every day, viewing them as evidence of trying and living fully. The recurring plea to 'try everything' transforms from a simple wish into a life philosophy, celebrating the journey of trial and error as the true essence of living.

Origins and Songwriting Team
"Try Everything" was crafted by a powerhouse team of songwriters: the Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler, and the Norwegian production duo Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen). Known for their ability to create global pop smashes, the team wrote the song specifically for the 2016 Walt Disney Animation Studios film Zootopia.

The Fifth Harmony Connection
Interestingly, reports suggest that the song was originally demoed or intended for the girl group Fifth Harmony before finding its home with Shakira. This history highlights the song's pure pop pedigree before it was adapted to fit the specific narrative needs of the Disney film.

Shakira's Involvement
Shakira did not just sing the track; she was cast as the voice of Gazelle, the pop star character in the movie who performs the song. Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore pitched the role to Shakira, who connected deeply with the character and the song's message. She reportedly requested that the character of Gazelle be given wider hips to be more realistic and reflective of her own image, adding a personal touch to the animation that accompanied the song.

Recording
The track was produced by Stargate and recorded between 2013 and 2015. It was released as a single on January 8, 2016, leading the promotional campaign for the movie. The collaboration between Sia's distinctive melodic writing and Shakira's unique vocal timbre created a blend that felt both contemporary and timelessly Disney.

Rhythmic Structure
The song features a high-energy tempo of approximately 115 beats per minute. The rhythm is characterized by a strong syncopation, particularly in the guitar strums and vocal delivery of the verses, which creates a 'bouncy' and forward-moving feel. This mirrors the lyrical theme of getting back up; the beat itself feels like it is constantly rebounding.

Rhyme Scheme
The verses largely follow an AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme with a mix of perfect and slant rhymes. For example:
"I messed up tonight" (A)
"I lost another fight" (A)
"I still mess up but I'll just start again" (B)
This simple, predictable rhyme scheme makes the song instantly memorable and accessible, akin to a nursery rhyme or a chant. The chorus relies less on strict rhyme and more on the repetition of the title phrase, prioritizing rhythmic hooks over complex lyrical weaving.

Musical Techniques
The song is built on a driving four-on-the-floor beat fused with syncopated percussion, nodding to Shakira's signature Latin and Worldbeat influences. The arrangement utilizes a mix of electronic synths and organic-sounding handclaps, creating a communal, stadium-anthem atmosphere. Shakira primarily utilizes her chest voice in the verses to convey grounded determination, switching to a lighter, soaring mix in the chorus to mimic the feeling of taking flight.

Literary Devices
Anaphora is used effectively in the pre-chorus ("I won't give up, no I won't give in"), building rhythmic momentum and emphasizing steadfastness. The lyrics also employ paradox in the line "I'll keep on making those new mistakes," framing "mistakes"—usually a negative concept—as a positive, proactive goal to be achieved.

Call and Response
The structure of the chorus, with its "Oh, oh, oh, oh" hooks, is designed for audience participation (a 'chant' style), reinforcing the song's function as a unifying anthem for the citizens of Zootopia and the real-world audience alike.

Commercial Success
"Try Everything" became a global hit, reaching the top charts in countries like Japan and Lebanon, and achieving Platinum status in the US (RIAA) and UK (BPI). It is one of Shakira's most streamed songs on platforms like Spotify, transcending its origins as a movie soundtrack to become a staple of her discography.

Awards and Acclaim
The song received a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 59th Grammy Awards. It was also praised by critics for being a standout track in the Disney canon, often compared favorably to "Let It Go" for its earworm quality and positive message.

Legacy in Media
As the theme for Zootopia, the song is inextricably linked to the film's message of diversity and inclusion. It has been used widely in graduation ceremonies, sports montages, and motivational videos due to its universal message. Cover versions, such as the Mandarin version by Sophie Chen, helped expand its reach in Asian markets. The character of Gazelle has become a queer icon for some fans, and the song is often celebrated within the furry fandom.

The Falling Bird
The most potent metaphor in the song is: "Birds don't just fly, they fall down and get up." This imagery disrupts the romanticized view of flight. Usually, birds represent freedom and effortlessness. Here, the lyrics focus on the mechanics of learning to fly—the awkward stumbles and gravity-defying struggles—symbolizing that mastery is a messy process hidden behind the final graceful result.

"Hitting the Ground"
The recurring image of "hitting the ground" serves as a metaphor for reality checks. It represents the harsh impact of failure, but by coupling it with "I always get up," the ground transforms from a place of defeat into a foundation for the next attempt.

The Fight
Using the word "fight" ("I lost another fight") militarizes the daily struggle for self-improvement. It implies that maintaining optimism and pursuing one's dreams is an active battle against cynicism and external obstacles, not a passive state of being.

"Try Everything"
The title phrase is the central motif, repeated as a mantra. It represents an openness to experience—both good and bad. It shifts the focus from succeeding at everything to attempting everything.

"Oh, oh, oh, oh"
This non-lexical vocal motif acts as the song's emotional release. After the wordy verses detailing struggle, this open-vowel chant allows for a pure expression of energy and joy, symbolizing the freedom that comes from letting go of the fear of failure.

"Start Again"
The phrase "start again" recurs at the end of the pre-chorus sections. It acts as a structural reset button in the song, just as the lyrics describe resetting one's efforts in life. It reinforces the cyclical nature of the hero's journey.