10 Best Songs With The Word 'True' In The Title

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Whether sung as a plea, a declaration, or an introspective revelation, “true” has provided a foundation for some of the most memorable moments in music history. This article celebrates ten unforgettable songs that place “true” at the heart of their stories.

# 10 – True Colors – Cyndi Lauper

Released in 1986 as the lead single and title track from Cyndi Lauper’s second studio album, True Colors became a timeless anthem of authenticity and self-acceptance. Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, the song gave Lauper a chance to step away from the playful energy of some of her earlier hits. Lauper co-produced the recording with Lennie Petze, creating a sparse and emotional arrangement that keeps the focus on her voice and the song’s message. The single spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. “True Colors” remains one of Lauper’s most enduring performances.

Read More: Top 10 Cyndi Lauper Songs

# 9 – It’s Not True – The Who

“It’s Not True” captures the rebellious humor of The Who’s debut album, My Generation. Written by Pete Townshend, the song fires back at absurd rumors with the wit and attitude that defined the band’s early work. The album was produced by Shel Talmy and first released in the United Kingdom in December 1965, followed by the American version in April 1966. Roger Daltrey, Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon deliver the track with the raw attack of the band’s early Maximum R&B period. “It’s Not True” may be less famous than the album’s biggest songs, but its sarcasm and energy make it unmistakably The Who.

# 8 – Be True – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen’s “Be True” carries the emotional directness and rock and roll spirit that defined his writing during The River sessions. Recorded at The Power Station in New York City in 1979, the song was left off the final album despite becoming a favorite among fans. It finally appeared in 1981 as the B-side of “Fade Away.” Springsteen produced the recording with Jon Landau and Steven Van Zandt, backed by the E Street Band. Its combination of romantic frustration, movie imagery, and a driving arrangement makes “Be True” one of Springsteen’s great non-album tracks from the period.

# 7 – True To Life – Roxy Music

“True to Life” is one of the beautifully polished tracks from Roxy Music’s 1982 album Avalon. Written by Bryan Ferry, the song reflects the sophisticated and atmospheric sound that defined the band’s final studio album. Roxy Music and Rhett Davies produced the recording, with Bryan Ferry on vocals and keyboards, Phil Manzanera and Neil Hubbard on guitars, Andy Mackay on saxophone, Alan Spenner on bass, and Andy Newmark on drums. The arrangement moves with a calm, nocturnal pulse while still carrying the elegance and tension that made Avalon so distinctive. “True to Life” is a perfect example of how far Roxy Music had traveled from its early art-rock sound without losing its identity.

Read More: Top 10 Roxy Music Songs

# 6 – True Companion – Donald Fagen

Donald Fagen’s “True Companion” appeared on the soundtrack to the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal. Composed and arranged by Fagen, the song blends the harmonic sophistication associated with Steely Dan with a more cinematic atmosphere. Fagen co-produced the recording with engineer and longtime collaborator Elliott Scheiner. The track’s polished keyboards, jazz-inflected harmony, and reflective mood make it stand apart from much of the harder material surrounding it on the soundtrack. “True Companion” also points toward the sleek solo sound Fagen would explore more fully on The Nightfly.

# 5 – I Cannot Believe It’s True – Phil Collins

Hello, I Must Be Going! (Deluxe Edition)

“I Cannot Believe It’s True” is one of the most rhythmically buoyant tracks on Phil Collins’ 1982 album Hello, I Must Be Going!. Written and produced by Collins, the song combines his lead vocal and drums with Daryl Stuermer’s guitar, John Giblin’s bass, and the Phenix Horns. Hugh Padgham engineered the recording and assisted with the production during the sessions. The bright horn arrangement and driving rhythm give the song an upbeat surface even as the lyric deals with emotional disbelief and disappointment. It is a strong example of the soulful pop and rock sound Collins was developing in the early years of his solo career.

Read More: Top 10 Phil Collins Albums

# 4 – True Love – Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey’s “True Love” appeared on his 1988 solo album Soul Searchin’ and showed just how deeply he loved classic soul music. Written by Frey and Jack Tempchin, the song carries a clear Memphis and Al Green influence while retaining Frey’s melodic pop instincts. The recording was produced by Frey and Elliot Scheiner, with Barry Beckett and Robbie Buchanan joining Frey on keyboards. Horns, percussion, and backing vocals give the track a warm R&B character that separates it from much of Frey’s earlier solo work. “True Love” reached number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Read More: Top 10 Glenn Frey Eagles Songs

# 3 – Sad But True – Metallica

“Sad But True” is one of the heaviest and most immediately recognizable songs on Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, commonly known as The Black Album. Written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the track is built around a massive down-tuned riff and a deliberately crushing tempo. The album was produced by Bob Rock with Hetfield and Ulrich and recorded at One on One Recording in Los Angeles between 1990 and 1991. Its polished sound never softens the menace of the guitars, drums, and Hetfield’s commanding vocal. “Sad But True” became a lasting concert favorite and one of the defining heavy tracks of Metallica’s most commercially successful era.

# 2 – Be True To Your School – The Beach Boys

Little Deuce Coupe / All Summer Long (CD)

“Be True to Your School” is one of The Beach Boys’ most energetic celebrations of early 1960s teenage life. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song appeared on Little Deuce Coupe and was released as a single in October 1963. Brian Wilson produced the record, building the song around the melody of “On, Wisconsin!” and turning school spirit into a pop anthem. The hit single version added cheerleader-style responses from The Honeys, giving the recording an even bigger sense of pep-rally excitement. Few records capture The Beach Boys’ early mixture of youth culture, harmony, and pure California exuberance as directly as this one.

Read More: Top 10 Beach Boys Songs

# 1 – True – Spandau Ballet

“True” by Spandau Ballet is the perfect closing entry for this list, combining romance, elegance, and one of the most recognizable melodies of the 1980s. Written by Gary Kemp, the song was recorded during the sessions for the band’s 1983 album True at Compass Point Studios in Nassau and Red Bus Studios in London. Spandau Ballet produced the recording with Tony Swain and Steve Jolley, while Tony Hadley’s vocal gives the song its unmistakable emotional sweep. The single reached number one on the UK chart and became the band’s signature international hit. Decades later, “True” remains a defining example of polished 1980s pop and soul.

Read More: Top 10 Spandau Ballet Songs