True Colors
Karyn White Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Cyndi Lauper cover)

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.
Your true colors
And that's why I love you.
So don't be afraid to let them show.
Your true colors, your true colors,
So beautiful, like a rainbow.

Show me your 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 that you can bear,
You call me up
And you know I'll be there.

‘cause I see your true colors
Shining through,
True colors,
That's why I love you.
Don't be afraid to let them show,
Your true colors,
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow.

So keep your head up
And don’t dare let go,
‘cause you’re a winner.

I see your true colors,
I see your true colors shining through




True colors shining through.
Shining through, shining through, shining through.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Karyn White's rendition of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" convey a message that is both poignant and uplifting. The singer of the song is addressing someone with "sad eyes," who feels discouraged and dejected in a world full of people. The singer acknowledges that it's difficult to find the courage to keep going when the darkness within feels all-consuming. But despite everything, the singer sees the person's true colors - their inner beauty and strength - shining through. And it's precisely because of those true colors that the singer loves them.


The song takes an optimistic turn when the singer encourages the person to show off their true colors, to not be afraid to be themselves. The line "Don't be unhappy, can't remember when I last saw you laughing" suggests that the singer knows the person well, and perhaps it's been a while since they've seen them truly happy. However, the singer assures the person that no matter how crazy the world gets, they can always reach out to her and she'll be there. The final verse encourages the person to keep their head up, to not give up, and to remember that they are a winner.


Overall, "True Colors" is a powerful song about the beauty of being authentic and vulnerable. It's a reminder that despite the darkness and difficulties we face in life, there is always hope and a reason to keep going.


Line by Line Meaning

You with the sad eyes,
Addressing someone who seems sad or depressed, empathizing with their state of mind.


Don't be discouraged.
Encouraging the person, suggesting they don't give up.


Oh, I realize
Acknowledging the difficulties of the situation.


It's hard to take courage
Explaining how difficult it can be to feel brave in tough situations.


In a world full of people,
Commenting on the challenges of living in a crowded and bustling society.


You can lose sight of it all.
Acknowledging how easy it can be to get lost and feel overwhelmed in the midst of it all.


And the darkness inside you
Referring to feelings of sadness and despair within oneself.


Can make you feel so small.
Suggesting how overwhelming these feelings can be.


But I see your true colors
Referring to the person's true nature, their positive and unique qualities.


Shining through.
Expressing how these qualities are visible and bright, like light shining through a prism.


Your true colors
Repeating the sentiment about a person's true and beautiful nature.


And that's why I love you.
Expressing the deep appreciation and admiration for who the person truly is.


So don't be afraid to let them show.
Encouraging the person to be confident and open about who they are.


So beautiful, like a rainbow.
Comparing the person's true colors to the beauty and vibrancy of a rainbow.


Show me your smile, then,
Encouraging the person to express happiness and positivity.


Don't be unhappy, can't remember when
Reminding the person that they have the ability to be happy and free from sadness.


I last saw you laughing.
Noticing that the person has been down and hoping to see them joyful again.


If this world makes you crazy
Acknowledging how difficult the world can be with its chaos and strife.


And you've taken all that you can bear,
Expressing how difficult life can be at times and how much pressure one can endure.


You call me up
Offering support to the person, suggesting they can reach out for help.


And you know I'll be there.
Assuring the person of the support and love that's available to them.


So keep your head up
Encouraging the person to stay positive and hopeful.


And don’t dare let go,
Urging the person not to give up and to persevere through difficult times.


‘cause you’re a winner.
Recognizing the person's strength and resilience, and suggesting they can overcome anything.


I see your true colors,
Repeating the sentiment about the person's true nature and expressing continued admiration and respect.


True colors,
Restating the truth of the person's beautiful and unique nature.


Shining through, shining through, shining through.
Recalling the visual metaphor about light and color as a symbol of the person's unique and beautiful qualities that are visible to the world.




Contributed by Evelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

john castro

Finally!!! Thank You Miss Karen.

Loretta De Herrera

💘 💘 💘 💘 💘.....

s kanamaru

Like a man sings i feel
i luv her 2 the way you .. and romantic ever though sorry

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