“True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper is a heartfelt and empowering ballad, released as the lead single from her second album of the same name in 1986. Known for its tender message of self-acceptance and inner beauty, the song became an anthem for embracing one’s uniqueness and has remained a defining track in Lauper’s career.
“True Colors” was written by songwriters Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who initially composed the song with a different feel. Originally meant to have a more gospel tone, Cyndi Lauper reimagined the arrangement to be more intimate and soulful, allowing her emotional vocals to shine. Lauper’s choice to keep the production simple highlights the raw, emotional message at the song’s core. In the song, Lauper’s powerful vocal performance, combined with minimalist production featuring gentle synthesizers and piano, creates an emotional atmosphere that underscores the song’s message of authenticity and love.
“True Colors” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and charting well internationally. Critics praised Lauper’s vocal delivery and the song’s timeless message, noting that it showcased a softer, more introspective side to Lauper, who was previously known for her quirky, upbeat pop hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time”. The song’s universal appeal and meaningful lyrics made it an instant classic, one that continues to be played and covered by artists worldwide.
Over the years, “True Colors” has become a cultural touchstone, often associated with LGBTQ+ pride and messages of inclusion. Lauper herself embraced the song as a symbol of her advocacy work, eventually co-founding the True Colors Fund in 2008, an organization dedicated to combating LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.