May 23, 2024
“I see your true colors, and that’s why I love you.” This iconic line from Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’ has resonated with listeners for decades. The song, a powerful ballad about seeing past superficiality and embracing individuality, has become an anthem for acceptance and self-love.
The Making of an Anthem
While ‘True Colors’ is synonymous with Cyndi Lauper, she didn’t write it. The songwriting duo behind hits like Madonna’s ‘Like A Virgin’ and The Bangles’ ‘Eternal Flame,’ Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, penned the song. They aimed to capture the essence of a person’s true self, hidden beneath the surface.
Steinberg recognized Lauper as the perfect voice for their creation. He admired her ability to transform their gospel-inspired ballad demo into a unique and powerful statement. Lauper’s production, a departure from the original arrangement, breathed new life into the song.
The iconic 'True Colors' album cover featuring Cyndi Lauper.
The ‘True Colors’ album cover, released in 1986.
Lauper’s recording process was deeply personal. Having recently lost a close friend to AIDS, she poured her grief and empathy into her vocals. She envisioned a voice that whispered comfort and reassurance, a voice that spoke to the most vulnerable parts of ourselves.
A Song Embraced by the LGBTQ Community
‘True Colors’ resonated deeply with the LGBTQ community, particularly during the challenging times of the AIDS epidemic. The song’s message of acceptance and embracing one’s true self offered solace and strength in the face of prejudice and fear.
The song’s title also resonated with the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ pride. Lauper, a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights, recognized the song’s impact and used her platform to champion equality.
Her ‘True Colors Tour’ brought together prominent artists like Erasure and Joan Jett to support gay rights and fight hate crimes. In 2008, she founded the True Colors Fund (now True Colors United), an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth.
Lauper’s commitment to equality was evident when she performed ‘True Colors’ at the signing of the Respect For Marriage Law in 2022, celebrating a landmark victory for same-sex and interracial marriage equality.
Chart Success and Enduring Legacy
Released in 1986, ‘True Colors’ topped the US Billboard charts for two weeks, becoming Lauper’s second number-one hit. While it achieved more moderate success in the UK, peaking at number twelve, its impact was undeniable.
The song’s cultural significance earned it a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It lost to Barbra Streisand, but its place in music history was already secured.
‘True Colors’ continues to inspire artists today. Phil Collins, Eva Cassidy, Tom Odell, and Justin Timberlake are just a few who have covered the song, drawn to its universal message of hope and self-acceptance.
Cyndi Lauper performing at the 2015 Gay Pride event, a testament to her enduring support for the LGBTQ community.
Cyndi Lauper at the 2015 Gay Pride event, a symbol of her unwavering support.
Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’ is more than just a song; it’s a timeless message of hope, acceptance, and the power of being true to oneself. It reminds us that our differences are what make us unique and that embracing our authentic selves is the key to finding love, acceptance, and ultimately, happiness.
