True Colors (Cyndi Lauper)

for Vocal Soloist and SSAA Choir

The vulnerability of the solo voice is answered by the loving embrace of the full choir.

Excerpt (live recording):

Complete (live recording):

Duration: 3 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Language: English
Minimum Voices: 8 (optimal 12-50)

Song by Tom Kelly & Billy Steinberg
Recorded by Cyndi Lauper (1986)
Arranged by Chappell Kingsland

Wild Beautiful Choral Series (WBCS-010). Digital download; please purchase one copy for each singer. Suitable for highschool, college, community and professional choirs.

Cyndi Lauper’s iconic song is reimagined in a setting inspired by modern pop a cappella styles. At its heart, the song is about letting yourself be seen and finding acceptance. The soloist carries the verses with a sense of vulnerability, while the choir weaves in and around with a tapestry of independent lines. Rather than simply accompanying, each voice has its own shape and personality, creating a texture that feels alive and constantly shifting.

When the first chorus arrives, the full ensemble comes together in warm, expansive harmony, offering a sense of shared affirmation. Along the way, the harmony stretches and shimmers—still grounded, but colored with added tones that suggest a kind of musical rainbow. A central interlude builds gradually, layering five independent strands into a glowing, unified sound before leading back into the refrain. Intimate one moment and dazzling the next, this arrangement invites both singers and listeners to experience the song as something deeply personal, yet joyfully shared.

Premiere: 6/4/23 – Denver, Colorado
Chorus conducted by Chappell Kingsland

Score Preview