True Colors
Cyndi 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

In this classic song, "True Colors," Cyndi Lauper delivers a message of hope and acceptance to a friend who is struggling. The opening lines of the song express empathy for the friend's pain and discouragement, acknowledging that it is difficult to remain strong and positive in a world that can often be overwhelming and isolating. The metaphor of a dark and suffocating interior underscores the feeling of being trapped and powerless in the face of adversity. However, Lauper also offers the promise that true colors will shine through, reminding the friend that there is beauty and strength to be found in being true to oneself.


As the song progresses, Lauper urges her friend to trust in their own worth and value, encouraging them to smile and not despair. She emphasizes the importance of connection and support, reminding the friend that she is always there to help when needed. The final repetition of the refrain underscores the central message of the song, that true colors are beautiful and worthy of celebration, just like the vibrant hues of a rainbow.


Overall, the song is a celebration of the human spirit and a call to embrace authenticity and hope in the face of adversity. Its message of love and encouragement has resonated with many people over the years and continues to inspire listeners today.


Line by Line Meaning

You with the sad eyes
Addressing someone who seems sad and upset.


Don't be discouraged
Don't give up or lose hope.


Oh I realize
I understand that it's difficult.


It's hard to take courage
It's difficult to be brave and face challenges.


In a world full of people
In a crowded and competitive world.


You can lose sight of it all
You may become overwhelmed or feel lost.


And the darkness inside you
Any negative or painful feelings you're experiencing.


Can make you feel so small
These feelings can make you feel insignificant and helpless.


But I see your true colors
I see who you really are.


Shining through
Your true nature is visible.


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


So don't be afraid to let them show
Don't hide or suppress your true self.


Your true colors
Who you really are as a person.


True colors are beautiful
Your true nature is unique and admirable.


Like a rainbow
Like the different colors of a rainbow, each person's true nature is distinct and beautiful.


Show me a smile then
Encouraging the person to smile and be happy.


Don't be unhappy, can't remember
Don't let your sadness consume you.


When I last saw you laughing
It's been a long time since you seemed to be enjoying yourself.


If this world makes you crazy
If the world is too difficult or stressful for you.


And you've taken all you can bear
If you feel like you can't handle any more hardships.


You call me up
You can count on me to be there for you.


True colors
Reiterating the importance of being true to oneself.


Shining through
Visible to others.


And that's why I love you
Further emphasizing the appreciation and care for the person.


True colors are beautiful
Repeating the sentiment that each person's true nature is admirable and unique.


Like a rainbow
Reiterating the metaphor of comparing true nature to the beauty of a rainbow.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@spiritworker903

Cyndi, thank you for blessing the world with this song.

@annahmartinez4219

Spiritworker she sees straight threw BS you n America

@jameshutchison2218

Which one represents death again?

@moonhope7816

This song because of the black clothes the line like a rainbow is referring to heaven

@Helmut83

Well, she didn't write it, so it's Billy Steinberg whom you should be thanking.

@popland1977

@@Helmut83 That's very true, although his original version was more of a power ballad, Cyndi's arrangement gave it some extra magic

3 More Replies...

@ckdub1888

My mums favourite song. She’s battling pancreatic cancer right now. Times running out for her. It’s so hard for me to listen to it. I can’t imagine how I’ll feel when she is actually gone. I’ll be a broken man. I already am tbh but her strength is inspiring. Love you mum

@user-jn1wm3tb8v

Stay strong Conor.You can do this.Do it for her,so that her legacy isn't gone.

@niriaantonio9097

I am so sorry for you and your mom! Be strong everything will be alright 🙏❤️

@1229jrogers

My prayers and love are with you and your family. I lost my Dad 8 years ago to pancreatic cancer, he struggled and was in a lot of pain. Bless you!!❤

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