Everton Blender - Make It If You Try (lyrics) -
Structurally, the lyrics utilize repetition and simple, punchy phrasing to ensure the message resonates with listeners of all backgrounds. Blender’s smooth, soaring vocals deliver these lines not as harsh commands, but as empathetic encouragement. He acknowledges the weight of poverty and systemic oppression, validating the listener's struggles before urging them to push forward. This balance of empathy and motivation is what prevents the song from feeling like a hollow platitude; it feels like advice from a wise elder who has walked the same difficult path.
Furthermore, "Make It If You Try" serves as a cultural artifact reflecting the socio-economic realities of Jamaica. Reggae music has historically functioned as the newspaper of the street, and Blender’s lyrics capture the daily grind of those striving to elevate themselves. Yet, the genius of the song lies in its ability to transcend its specific geographic and temporal origins. The core message—that obstacles are inevitable but defeat is not—is a universal truth that speaks to anyone facing adversity. Everton Blender - Make It If You Try (lyrics)
At the heart of the song is the central thesis declared in its title: success and survival are active pursuits requiring relentless effort. Blender does not promise easy victories or divine intervention without personal labor. Instead, his lyrics emphasize the necessity of the "try." This aligns closely with the Rastafarian concept of "livity"—living righteously and actively participating in one's own uplifting. The song suggests that while the system (often referred to in reggae as "Babylon") may be rigged against the poor and the marginalized, the individual still holds the agency to alter their destiny through hard work and unwavering focus. This balance of empathy and motivation is what