In 1998, the song was covered by Phil Collins for his compilation album ...Hits. The version was a smooth jazz influenced version compared to the original.
The track peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart and at #26 on the UK Singles Chart.
True Colors
Phil Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be discouraged
Do I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it
And the darkness inside you
Makes 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, ooh, like a rainbow
Show me a smile
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
Just call me up
Because you know I'll be there
And I see your true colors
Shining through (shining)
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Just show your true colors, true colors
Are beautiful, ooh, like a rainbow
Such sad eyes
Take courage, now
Realize
When this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
Just call me up
Because you know I'll be there
And I'll see your true colors
Shining through (shining)
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Just show your true colors, true colors
True colors
'Cause they're shining through (they're shining)
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid, just let them show
Your true colors, true colors
True colors
Are beautiful
Beautiful, like a rainbow
Yeah, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah)
Show me your colors
Show me your colors
Show me your rainbow
Show me your rainbow
Show me your colors
Show me your rainbow
(That's why I love you) show me your colors
Show me your rainbow
(That's why I love you) show me your colors
Show me your rainbow
The lyrics of Phil Collins' True Colors are about appreciating the beauty of individuality and being true to oneself despite the trials of life in a world where conformity is often praised. The song is a celebration of diversity and a call to those who feel lost or overwhelmed to trust in their uniqueness and stay true to their inner beauty. The opening lines set the tone, as the singer urges someone with "sad eyes" not to be discouraged, acknowledging the challenges of "taking courage in a world full of people" where it's easy to "lose sight of it." He notes that "the darkness inside you makes you feel so small," a clear reference to the inner demons and moments of self-doubt that often plague us all.
But then the singer offers hope, telling the person with sad eyes that he sees their "true colors shining through." He sees them for who they truly are, appreciating their beauty like a rainbow. He urges them not to be afraid to let their true colors show and to show the world the vibrant hues that make them unique. The song offers a comforting message of acceptance and support, with the singer reminding the listener that he'll always be there to offer a helping hand and, more importantly, to appreciate them for who they are.
Overall, True Colors is a moving song that resonates with those who struggle to find their voice and embrace their individuality in a world that often tries to suppress it. It's a call to live life authentically and to appreciate the beauty inherent in every human being, regardless of their background or struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
You with the sad eyes
I can see that you're sad
Don't be discouraged
Don't lose hope
Oh, I realize
I understand
It's hard to take courage
It's difficult to be brave
In a world full of people
When there are so many people around
You can lose sight of it
It's easy to forget why you're doing something
And the darkness inside you
When you feel unhappy and upset
Makes you feel so small
You feel insignificant and worthless
But I see your true colors
I can see the real you, how you really are
Shining through
Your true nature is coming out
And that's why I love you
I love you for who you really are
So don't be afraid to let them show
Don't be scared to show your true self
Your true colors, true colors
The person you really are
Are beautiful, ooh, like a rainbow
Are as wonderful as a rainbow
Show me a smile then
Please smile at me
Don't be unhappy, can't remember when
Don't be sad, I can't remember the last time you were happy
I last saw you laughing
I can't remember the last time I saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
If the world feels overwhelming and crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
If you feel like you can't take it anymore
Just call me up
Just give me a call
Because you know I'll be there
I'll be there for you
'Cause they're shining through (they're shining)
Your true colors are coming through
Yeah, yeah, yeah (yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah)
Expressing enthusiasm and agreement
Show me your colors
Be your true self with me
Show me your rainbow
Let's experience life in all its colors together
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lutfilubany6823
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 them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow
So sad eyes
Discouraged now
Realize
When this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
Just 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 them show
Your true colors
True colors, true colors
Cos there's a 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
True colors are beautiful,
Beautiful, like a rainbow
Show me your colors
Show me your rainbow
Show me your colors
Show me your rainbow
(That's why i love you)
Show me your colors
Show me your rainbow
@crazyfaith77
Who is here in 2024
@LebohangMatoane-yb7fs
We here🎉
@brandonmoore7497
I’m listening to Phil Collins True Colors early February 2024
0:49
@downeast_seabeast
Yup
@__susuvalerie
I'm here😂
@ellanaya6532
Me
@Midnight-dv6vh
Still one of my favorite version phil collins .. 2023🎉🎉🎉
@brandonmoore7497
I’m listening to Phil Collins True Colors mid December 2023 with only 20 days left of 2023 until 2024!
4:26
@ezzoonthebeats8574
It's now 2023 by this 25 years old song still sounds like it's just been released, what a timeless classic 👐🏾
@brandonmoore7497
I’m listening to Phil Collins True Colors mid September 2023