伴随状语的动作与主句的动作间的关系

He tried to explain the situation, saying 'It's only me', but it was too late. 

question: 

对于上面这句话中的状语部分saying 'It's only me', 该如何理解这个动作与tried to explain the situation动作间的关系?

答:

saying 'It's only me'作伴随状语, saying 'It's only me'为这个人一直重复的动作.

对于整句话, 可以这样理解: 他不停地说着"是我", 并尝试进行解释.

(例句摘自 新概念英语3 Lesson 13 It's only me)