True Colors
Bangles/Cyndi Lauper/Jeff Bova/Jimmy Bralower/Nile Rodgers Lyrics


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You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small

But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow

Show me a smile then
Don't be unhappy, can't remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let it show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow

(Can't remember when I last saw you laughing)

If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let it show

Your true colors
True colors
True colors
Shining through

I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors




True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow

Overall Meaning

The song "True Colors" by the Bangles is an uplifting and positive song about seeing the true beauty and individuality of a person. The lyrics are encouraging the listener to be themselves and not be afraid to show their "true colors" to the world, even if it means going against the norm. The song acknowledges the struggles and hardships one might face in a world full of judgement and scrutiny, but the message is clear - everyone is beautiful just the way they are.


The lyrics "You with the sad eyes, Don't be discouraged," set the tone for the song and establish the emotional state of the person the singer is addressing. The song is trying to uplift this person and make them feel valued and loved. The line "But I see your true colors, shining through," suggests that the singer is able to see past the façade that the person puts up in public and sees their true, unique self. The song is telling the listener that their true self, no matter how oftentimes unusual or different, is beautiful, important and wanted.


Overall, "True Colors" is a message of acceptance, inclusivity, and love. The song encourages listeners to stay true to themselves in a world full of conformity and judgement, reminding them that their authentic self is beautiful and deserving of love and respect.


Line by Line Meaning

You with the sad eyes
You who have a melancholic outlook on life


Don't be discouraged
Don't lose hope


Oh I realize
I understand


Its hard to take courage
It's difficult to find the strength to face the challenges ahead


In a world full of people
In a crowded and noisy place like our world


You can lose sight of it all
You can lose focus and direction


And the darkness inside you
The negativity and sadness within yourself


Can make you feel so small
Can make you feel insignificant and powerless


But I see your true colors
Nonetheless, I can see your real nature


Shining through
Showing through you


And that's why I love you
And that's why I care for you and appreciate you


So don't be afraid to let them show
So don't hesitate to reveal your true self


Your true colors
Your genuine character and personality


True colors are beautiful
Your true self is unique and lovely


Like a rainbow
Like a colorful and enchanting natural wonder


Show me a smile then
Let me see you happy


Don't be unhappy, can't remember
Don't be sad, I can't recall when I saw you happy before


When I last saw you laughing
Last time you were cheerful around me


If this world makes you crazy
If this world drives you insane


And you've taken all you can bear
And you've endured as much as you can handle


You call me up
You get in touch with me


Because you know I'll be there
Because you trust me to be by your side




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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