Initially formed in 1976 in London, England, they didn't reach a stable line-up or decide on the Spandau name until 1978. Their odd title allegedly came from a piece of bathroom graffiti observed during the members early days. Inspired by a mixture of avant-garde synth pop and slick funk. as typified by their early track "Chant No 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)", also known by other titles such as "Chant # 1", the band commercially broke through with an artistic public image as remarked upon as their music. Said track reached the #2 spot in the U.K. and was notable for inclusion of the horn section from the group Beggar & Co, which proved a fruitful collaboration on record.
Spandau Ballet's first two albums, 1981's 'Journeys to Glory' and 1982's 'Diamond', found them also mining their art rock and glam rock roots as their fan-base expanded, the group looking to the works of David Bowie and Roxy Music for inspiration. Both albums charted in the U.K. top 20 and were later certified gold by the RIAA. Additional popular songs from the band in this era include "To Cut a Long Story Short" and "Freeze" (also known as "The Freeze". The group also notably picked up a semi-friendly rivalry with new wave contemporaries Duran Duran.
After four hits in the U.K. followed by a couple of less successful releases, however, Spandau Ballet's chart career appeared to be on the wane. Yet Instinction, re-ignited their fortunes and became the first of eleven consecutive singles to reach the Top 20
Immensely popular in the UK, the New Romantic group eventually mellowed into a mainstream pop act. As with Duran Duran they 'broke America', albeit briefly - the title track of their 3rd album True peaked in the Top 5 of the Singles charts. The song gained a new life in the 1990's and beyond by being sampled in the songs Set Adrift on Memory Bliss by PM Dawn and N Dey Say by Nelly.
After a split in 1990 and a court case almost ten years later involving Hadley, Keeble & Norman suing Gary Kemp over royalties, they announced in March 2009 a reformation.
True
Spandau Ballet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Huh huh huh hu-uh huh
So true, funny how it seems
Always in time, but never in line for dreams
Head over heels when toe to toe
This is the sound of my soul
This is the sound
But now I've come back again
Why do I find it hard to write the next line?
Oh I want the truth to be said
Huh huh huh hu-uh huh
I know this much is true
Huh huh huh hu-uh huh
I know this much is true
With a thrill in my head and a pill on my tongue
Dissolve the nerves that have just begun
Listening to Marvin (all night long)
This is the sound of my soul
This is the sound
Always slipping from my hands
Sand's a time of its own
Take your seaside arms and write the next line
Oh I want the truth to be known
Huh huh huh hu-uh huh
I know this much is true
Huh huh huh hu-uh huh
I know this much is true
I bought a ticket to the world
But now I've come back again
Why do I find it hard to write the next line?
Oh I want the truth to be said
Huh huh huh hu-uh huh
I know this much is true
Huh huh huh hu-uh huh
I know this much is true
This much is true
This much is true
This much is true
I know, I know, I know this much is true
This much is true
This much is true (huh huh)
This much is true
This much is true
I know this much is true
This much is true (huh huh)
This much is true (I know this much is true)
This much is true (huh huh)
This much is true (I know this much is true)
I know, I know, I know this much is true
The lyrics to Spandau Ballet's song "True" describe personal introspection and coming to terms with one's identity and desires. The first verse talks about the contradicting nature of the singer's life: always on time but never in line for dreams. They feel like they're in love, head over heels, but they can't quite articulate what it is they want. The sound of their soul is the melody of the song. The second verse describes their attempts to drown out their anxiety or nerves with drugs and music. The line "listening to Marvin all night long" is a nod to Marvin Gaye, whose music often dealt with themes of love and heartbreak. The singer wants the truth to be known, but they can't seem to find the right words to express it.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I know this much is true" multiple times, as though reassuring themselves of their own identity and desires. The line "I bought a ticket to the world, but now I've come back again" could be interpreted as the singer trying to find themselves by exploring new places and ideas. They've realized, however, that their true self was with them all along. The final repetition of "this much is true" drives the point home.
Overall, the song is about coming to terms with oneself and being honest about one's desires. The use of music as a way to express emotions is also prominent throughout, as the singer leans on music to ease their nerves and express their soul.
Line by Line Meaning
So true, funny how it seems
It's strange how things that are true can seem amusing or unlikely.
Always in time, but never in line for dreams
Even though I'm punctual, I don't seem to have luck achieving my dreams.
Head over heels when toe to toe
I'm absolutely smitten with this person - even just being near them makes me dizzy with excitement.
This is the sound of my soul
The music is a reflection of who I am as a person.
I bought a ticket to the world
I set out to explore and experience everything the world has to offer.
But now I've come back again
Despite my travels, I've returned to where I started.
Why do I find it hard to write the next line?
I'm struggling to express myself and put my feelings into words.
Oh I want the truth to be said
I desire honesty and clarity in my relationships and interactions with others.
With a thrill in my head and a pill on my tongue
I am both excited and taking drugs that will affect my mood.
Dissolve the nerves that have just begun
I want to calm my nerves and anxiety that has arisen.
Listening to Marvin (all night long)
I'm listening to Marvin Gaye's music for an extended period of time.
Always slipping from my hands
No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to hold onto what's important to me.
Sand's a time of its own
Time moves differently by the sea, as if it exists in another reality.
Take your seaside arms and write the next line
Use your imagery and surroundings to help inspire and guide you in your creative process.
I know this much is true
I am confident that what I'm saying is accurate and genuine.
This much is true
I am certain about what I've said and believe it to be true.
I know, I know, I know this much is true
I can't emphasize enough how accurate and truthful my statement is.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gary James Kemp
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind