The Truth
Foster the People Lyrics


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I've been trying to re-learn my name
It seems like a thousand years
I've been out of frame
And I surrender the truth is what
What I've needed from you
I've been floating within your walls of opinion
And I'm tired, I only want the truth
I have tried so hard not to be like them
I have found they don't ever say what they mean
There is a truth, there is a light if you'd follow me there
I've been searching for directions and
I'm convinced the world doesn't know what it needs
There is a hope for the hopeless, I can promise you that

Yeah, well I been accosted
The jury's been partial
But I won't surrender
To prove to you I won't lie
Under pressure of compromise
Yeah well an absolute measure won't change with opinion
No matter how hard you try
It's an immovable thing
Just like the visions in your bed
Or when they're streaming in your head

I have tried so hard not to be like them
I have found they don't ever say what they mean
There is a truth, there is a light if you'd follow me there
I've been searching for the directions and
I'm convinced the world doesn't know what it needs
There is a hope
And I'll come back
If you're needing my hand
The world is so broken
I'm tripping my steps
I'm slipping and I know why
I never thought that I'd be here
A blinding call to prayer
Has touched my feet
Like the call of the prophets
A purpose is needed before you know that you know
To never wonder what you are
And not forget where you come from, yeah, wooh mmm mmm

Well i it really love you've been speaking of?
What'd you say? What'd you say? What'd you say? Yeah yeah What'd you say?
I said that you need me, don't you?
There is a truth, I can promise you that
I have tried so hard not to be like them
I have found they don't ever say what they mean
Yeah , yeah, the truth stands in the end
While you're deciding what to do




The truth stands in the end
While you're deciding what to do

Overall Meaning

The song "The Truth" by Foster the People explores the idea of self-discovery and coming to terms with one's own identity. The opening lines convey a sense of detachment from oneself and the world, as the singer has been struggling to re-learn his name, feeling out of frame for what seems like a thousand years. He is looking for the truth, which he needs from someone he implicitly trusts. The search for truth is an ongoing theme throughout the song, as the singer feels trapped within the walls of other people's opinions and wants to break free.


The second verse emphasizes the singer's struggle to carve out his own identity, as he tries hard not to be like the people around him who do not say what they mean. He sees hope in the hopeless and is convinced that the world doesn't know what it needs, adding to his sense of isolation. However, the singer is determined to stand his ground and not cave in to the pressure of compromise, despite being acosted and facing a jury that is partial. He realizes that the truth is an immovable thing and cannot be changed by opinion, as absolute measures do not shift with the wind of the majority.


The chorus of the song reiterates the theme of truth and hope, as the singer promises to hold his listener's hand when needed. The closing lines implore the listener to embrace their heritage and never forget their roots, as they move forward in life. In summary, "The Truth" is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, the search for the truth, and ultimately finding one's own voice.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been trying to re-learn my name
I have been attempting to rediscover my identity.


It seems like a thousand years
This process feels like an eternity.


I've been out of frame
I have felt disconnected from my true self.


And I surrender the truth is what What I've needed from you
I admit that I require honesty from others.


I've been floating within your walls of opinion
I have been constrained by the beliefs of those around me.


And I'm tired, I only want the truth
I am exhausted and seek only honesty.


I have tried so hard not to be like them
I have made a conscious effort to avoid following others' paths.


I have found they don't ever say what they mean
I have discovered that many people do not speak truthfully.


There is a truth, there is a light if you'd follow me there
There is a path to honesty that I can guide others towards.


I've been searching for directions and I'm convinced the world doesn't know what it needs
I have been looking for guidance but believe that society lacks direction.


There is a hope for the hopeless, I can promise you that
Even those who have lost hope can find a way forward.


Yeah, well I been accosted, The jury's been partial
I have faced challenges and received biased treatment.


But I won't surrender, To prove to you I won't lie
I refuse to give in and will not be dishonest.


Under pressure of compromise
Despite the desire to remain truthful, there may be pressure to compromise.


Yeah well an absolute measure won't change with opinion
The truth is unchanging, regardless of varying perspectives.


No matter how hard you try
It is impossible to alter the truth through effort alone.


It's an immovable thing
The truth is an unwavering concept.


Just like the visions in your bed, Or when they're streaming in your head
Similar to thoughts and dreams, the truth cannot be altered through interpretation.


And I'll come back, If you're needing my hand
I can offer support if it is desired.


The world is so broken, I'm tripping my steps, I'm slipping and I know why
Society is deeply flawed, and I struggle to navigate it.


I never thought that I'd be here, A blinding call to prayer, Has touched my feet
I have found myself in a situation that I did not anticipate after being called to act.


Like the call of the prophets, A purpose is needed before you know that you know
Similar to religious prophets, one must have a sense of purpose before discovering its meaning.


To never wonder what you are, And not forget where you come from
It is important to be self-aware and remain connected to one's roots.


Well i it really love you've been speaking of? What'd you say? What'd you say? What'd you say? Yeah yeah What'd you say?
Is the topic of your discussion truly love? Please clarify your message.


I said that you need me, don't you? There is a truth, I can promise you that
I am stating that you require my assistance and can vow to provide the truth.


Yeah , yeah, the truth stands in the end, While you're deciding what to do
Ultimately, honesty will be proven to be of paramount importance, even as decisions must be made.


The truth stands in the end, While you're deciding what to do
Ultimately, honesty will be proven to be of paramount importance, even as decisions must be made.




Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK FOSTER, ISOM INNIS, LUCA VENTER, MATTHEW WILCOX

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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