I see your true colors/
And that’s why I love you.

In “True Colors”, Cyndi sees a world of people, living sad lives. She can see it in their eyes.  She thinks we need is to all gather our collective strength to show our true (wonderful) selves that we are hiding from the outside world.

It will take courage, but the payoff will be worth it. So smile, and show off your personality. Don’t be bashful or afraid about looking different. When you show who you really are…your True Colors…Cyndi thinks it is the most beautiful thing you can do. Though she realizes it is hard.

Lauper’s “True Colors” works because it has a nice melody and hook with the chorus and it also doubles as a women’s anthem (more of a people’s anthem really). Cyndi’s unique voice is well matched to this song, and she sings it passionately. Cyndi Lauper’s most well known song is “Girls just want to have fun”, and while that is a fun song, I feel it pigeonholes her a bit. Her ballads are where she delivered her best work.

The best version might be from her “Body Acoustic” album. More great songs from Cindi Lauper.

True Colors Lyrics

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.
The darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small.

And 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.
This world makes you crazy
And you’ve taken all you can bear,
Just call me up
‘Cause I will always be there.

And 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.

Ooh can’t remember when
I last saw you laughing.
Ooh oh oh oh
This world makes you crazy
And you’ve taken all you can bear,
Just call me up
‘Cause I will always be there.

And I see your true colors
Shining through.
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you.
So don’t be afraid (don’t be afraid)
To let them show your true colors,
True colors are beautiful (you’re beautiful, oh)
Like a rainbow.
Oh oh oh oh oh like a rainbow.

Songwriters: Billy Steinberg / Tom Kelly