Spandau Ballet’s “TRUE” is a poetic exploration of love, memories, and personal truths. This iconic 80s track is about the quest for authenticity in love and life. Drawing inspiration from Marvin Gaye’s music and memories of past relationships, the song conveys the struggle of putting emotions into words. It’s a heartfelt anthem for everyone who’s ever found it hard to express themselves.
Want to know how Spandau Ballet managed to capture the very essence of love and longing in “TRUE”? Stick with us.
“TRUE” Lyrics Meaning
Opening with a memorable “Huh huh huh hu-uh huh”, the song sets an introspective mood. The line “Always in time, but never in line for dreams” speaks to how life’s timing can sometimes miss the mark when it comes to our aspirations.
“Head over heels when toe to toe” cleverly plays with words. While “head over heels” is a familiar phrase for falling deeply in love, “toe to toe” usually refers to confronting someone. Here, it perhaps captures the beautiful tension in love.
“This is the sound of my soul” suggests the song’s lyrics are deeply personal. There’s a rawness and vulnerability.
“I bought a ticket to the world” indicates a journey, maybe both literal and metaphorical, a search for meaning or escape. Yet, the return “now I’ve come back again” shows a realization that sometimes, what we’re looking for is right where we started.
The repeated sentiment, “Why do I find it hard to write the next line? Oh I want the truth to be said” resonates with everyone who’s ever struggled to articulate feelings.
“With a thrill in my head and a pill on my tongue” hints at fleeting moments of ecstasy and maybe the temporary highs we sometimes use to cope. “Listening to Marvin (all night long)” likely nods to Marvin Gaye, whose soulful music resonates with themes of love and heartache.
The persistent chorus, “I know this much is true” underscores a deep sense of certainty, even amidst all the uncertainty and unspoken feelings.
The Story Behind “TRUE”
Spandau Ballet, at the peak of their fame in the 1980s, crafted songs that resonated deeply with a generation. “TRUE” is perhaps their most iconic song, capturing the zeitgeist of the time.
Gary Kemp, the song’s writer, was inspired by both his personal experiences and his admiration for other artists. The song subtly nods to his infatuation with Clare Grogan, a fellow musician. However, expressing his feelings was challenging, which is echoed in the song’s lyrics about the difficulty of articulating emotions.
Marvin Gaye’s influence on the track can’t be ignored. His soulful tunes, rife with emotion and depth, provided a backdrop to Kemp’s formative years and influenced his songwriting. By specifically mentioning Marvin, Kemp pays homage to an artist that shaped his understanding of love and music.
“TRUE” was also a reflection of the broader 80s culture. It was a time of both introspection and celebration. The decade was marked by a search for authenticity amidst a backdrop of excess.
In the end, “TRUE” is not just a love song; it’s a narrative of personal evolution, the challenges of expression, and the timeless nature of genuine feelings. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound truths are the ones hardest to put into words.