“True Colors” by Phil Collins is a gentle, heartfelt cover of the 1986 hit originally recorded by Cyndi Lauper. Collins released his version in October 1998 for his Greatest Hits compilation …Hits. While staying faithful to the emotional core of the original, his rendition adds a smoother, more introspective touch, characteristic of his late-’90s ballad style.
The song is about unconditional love, acceptance, and emotional honesty, encouraging someone to reveal their authentic self without fear of judgment. It became widely embraced as a song of comfort and empowerment, often associated with themes of identity, especially within LGBTQ+ communities.
Phil Collins’ interpretation softens the original’s pop edge, using subtle instrumentation—soft keyboards, gentle percussion, and atmospheric layering—to give the track a calm, almost meditative tone. His warm, sincere vocals bring a sense of fatherly reassurance, turning the song into more of a tender whisper than a bold anthem. R&B singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds produced and provided backing vocals.
Though it wasn’t a massive chart hit, Collins’ version received modest airplay, especially on adult contemporary radio, and was praised for its emotional subtlety and respectful approach to the original. It also helped introduce the song to a new generation and broadened its emotional reach.
Overall, “True Colors” in Phil Collins’ hands is a quiet, touching tribute to vulnerability and acceptance, stripped down to its emotional essence and delivered with characteristic grace.