10 Standout Songs With The Word 'Truth' In The Title

Feature Photo: Heinrich Klaffs, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The concept of truth has always been a central force in human life, from personal relationships to the grand scale of political movements. Truth isn’t just about honesty between two people; it also plays a critical role in governments, politics, and cultures worldwide. As society evolves, the search for truth becomes an ever more pressing and multifaceted challenge. In music, truth serves as a reflection of these issues, a way for artists to channel their hopes, frustrations, and revelations.

# 10 – Truth Hits Everybody – The Police

Starting off our list of standout songs with the word ‘truth’ in the title is The Police’s energetic and thought-provoking track, “Truth Hits Everybody.” Featured on their 1978 debut album Outlandos d’Amour, this song showcases the band’s early blend of punk-infused rock with the signature reggae-influenced rhythms that would define their sound. Written by Sting, “Truth Hits Everybody” is an intense exploration of life’s inevitable realities, with a particular focus on mortality. Sting’s distinctive lyrics confront the harsh truth that death is the only certainty, while the music delivers an explosive, raw energy that reflects the urgency of the message.

Read More: Top 10 Police Songs

# 9 – Three Chords And The Truth – Van Morrison

Contiuning our exploration of standout songs with “truth” in the title, Van Morrison’s “Three Chords and the Truth” serves as the title track from his 2019 album Three Chords & the Truth. Released on 25 October 2019, this album marked Morrison’s 41st studio release, continuing his prolific output with a collection of all-new original material—the first time since his 2012 album Born to Sing: No Plan B. The song “Three Chords and the Truth” encapsulates the ethos of simplicity and authenticity that has long defined Morrison’s music, grounding the track in the classic tradition of roots music, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite Van Morrison Songs

# 8 – Don’t Tell A Lie About Me And I Won’t Tell The Truth On You – James Brown

The fiery and unapologetic track “Don’t Tell A Lie About Me And I Won’t Tell The Truth On You” by James Brown captures the Godfather of Soul in full command of his signature blend of funk, soul, and groove. This song, released in 1974 on his Hell album, delivers an electrifying mix of rhythmic intensity and confrontational lyrics. James Brown produced the track himself, with Fred Wesley serving as the arranger, contributing to the song’s dynamic structure and horn-driven energy. The recording took place at International Recording Studios in Augusta, Georgia, where Brown often worked. The album’s personnel included Brown’s trusted ensemble, the J.B.’s, featuring musicians such as Fred Wesley on trombone, Maceo Parker on saxophone, and Jimmy Nolen on guitar, ensuring a tight and powerful instrumental backdrop.

Read More: Top 25 James Brown Songs

# 7 – Truth And Honesty – Aretha Franklin

The song “Truth and Honesty,” from Aretha Franklin’s Love All the Hurt Away album, stands as a powerful example of the legendary singer’s ability to blend emotional vulnerability with uplifting messages. Written by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen, the track taps into themes of transparency, reconciliation, and love through Franklin’s soulful delivery. Released in 1981 as part of her twenty-seventh studio album, this song showcases the Queen of Soul’s vocal prowess and deep connection to the lyrical content.

Read More: 10 Essential Aretha Franklin Songs

# 6 – Policy Of Truth – Depeche Mode

As the third single from Depeche Mode’s seminal album Violator (1990), “Policy of Truth” became an instant classic and a key track in the band’s extensive catalog. Released on 7 May 1990, the song marked a significant moment in Depeche Mode’s career, particularly in the US, where it achieved greater chart success than in their home country. It reached number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100, surpassing its UK peak at number 16. Moreover, “Policy of Truth” topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, solidifying the band’s dominance in the electronic music scene during the early 1990s.

Read More: Top 10 Depeche Mode Deep Tracks

# 5 – Truth N’ Time – Al Green

Al Green’s “Truth N’ Time” is a powerful reflection of both the artist’s remarkable talent and the thematic depth he brought to his music. The title track from Green’s 1978 album Truth N’ Time holds a significant place in his discography, marking the end of his primarily secular work before his full transition into gospel music. The song embodies Green’s soul-infused sound, combining smooth vocals, reflective lyrics, and a tight rhythm section to deliver a message about the enduring power of truth and the necessity of time in relationships and life.

Read More: Top 10 Al Green Songs

# 4 – The Truth About Arthur – Golden Earring

Miracle Mirror - Limited Gatefold 180-Gram Crystal Clear Vinyl

Golden Earring’s “The Truth About Arthur,” the opening track on their 1968 album Miracle Mirror, stands out as a unique and haunting entry in the band’s early discography. Produced by Fred Haayen, the track presents a psychedelic exploration of existential dread, making it one of the band’s more surreal and lyrically abstract pieces. Golden Earring, known for their later international hits like “Radar Love” and “Twilight Zone,” delivered a different sound on Miracle Mirror, with this track showcasing their roots in the psychedelic and experimental rock scene of the 1960s.

Read More: Top 10 Golden Earring Songs

# 3 – What Is Truth – Johnny Cash

Written by Cash, this song serves as a bold protest piece, addressing the Vietnam War, the generational divide, and societal issues. Cash’s willingness to question authority and social norms in this track made it a rarity in the country music scene of the time, where such politically charged topics were seldom explored. The song’s impact was significant enough that Cash performed it live at the White House for President Richard Nixon on April 17, 1970.

# 2 – Tell The Truth – Derek & The Dominoes

The Layla Sessions: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos

“Tell the Truth” is a standout track by Derek & The Dominos, featured as the eighth song on their iconic 1970 album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Written primarily by keyboardist Bobby Whitlock, with guitarist Eric Clapton contributing the final verse, the song presents a compelling message of introspection and honesty. Recorded in August 1970 at Criteria Studios in Miami under the production of Tom Dowd, “Tell the Truth” showcases the band’s tight chemistry, fueled by Clapton’s emotive guitar work, Whitlock’s dynamic vocals and keyboard prowess, and the solid backing of Carl Radle on bass and Jim Gordon on drums. This lineup of Derek & The Dominos captured the essence of their blues-infused rock sound on this track, blending soaring guitar riffs with heartfelt lyrical content.

# 1 – Gimme Some Truth – John Lennon

Closing our list of standout songs with “truth” in the title is Gimme Some Truth, one of John Lennon’s most potent protest songs. Released on his 1971 album Imagine, this politically charged track was co-produced by Lennon and Phil Spector and features a sharp, distinctive slide guitar solo by George Harrison. Written during the later years of the Vietnam War, “Gimme Some Truth” encapsulates Lennon’s frustration with the political landscape of the time, filled with biting criticism of dishonesty, hypocrisy, and disillusionment.