Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Spandau Ballet’s “True” remains one of the defining romantic ballads of the 1980s, combining sophisticated pop production with a tender exploration of love, vulnerability and the difficulty of expressing genuine feelings. Released in 1983, the song marked a notable evolution in the band’s sound, moving away from the sharper, rhythm-driven style of their earlier work towards a smoother, more soulful approach.
Written by guitarist Gary Kemp, “True” was inspired partly by Kemp’s admiration for the American soul singer Marvin Gaye and his appreciation of romantic songwriting. Its arrangement is deliberately spacious, built around a gentle keyboard introduction, restrained percussion and a memorable saxophone passage. Hadley’s rich, expressive vocals provide the emotional centre, conveying both confidence and uncertainty as he struggles to communicate the depth of his feelings.
The song’s lyrics have often been associated with Kemp’s relationship with Clare Grogan, although their meaning extends beyond any single personal experience. The central theme is the challenge of finding words capable of expressing love honestly, particularly when emotions are complicated by insecurity and fear of rejection.
“True” also reflected the band’s growing musical maturity, demonstrating that their polished image could accommodate warmth and emotional sincerity. Its elegant melody and timeless production have helped it endure across generations, making it a familiar soundtrack for romantic occasions and a lasting reminder of Spandau Ballet’s contribution to British pop music during the decade.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 30th April 1983.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | True (5:29) (Gary Kemp) Produced By Tony Swain, Steve Jolley, Spandau Ballet |
| B-Side | Lifeline (Edited Remix For USA) (3:39) (Gary Kemp) Produced By Tony Swain, Steve Jolley, Spandau Ballet |
CHART PERFORMANCE (80s Chart only)
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 23rd April 1983 – 25th June 1983 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- True (Single Version) (5:29)
- True (2022 Remix) (6:33)
- True (New Mix) (6:41)
- True (Instrumental) (5:36)
- True (Album Version) (6:33)
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
Huh huh uh-huh hi
Huh huh uh-huh hi
So true
Funny how it seems
Always in time
But never in line for dreams
Head over heels when toe to toe
This is the sound of my soul
This is the sound
I bought a ticket to the world
But, now, I’ve come back again
Why do I find it hard to write the next line?
Oh, I want the truth to be said
Huh huh uh-huh hi
I know this much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
I know this much is true
With a thrill in my head
And a pill on my tongue
Dissolve the nerves that have just begun
Listening to Marvin
All night long
This is the sound of my soul
This is the sound
Always slipping from my hands
Sand’s a time of its own
Take your seaside arms and write the next line
Oh, I want the truth to be known
Huh huh uh-huh hi
I know this much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
I know this much is true
I bought a ticket to the world
But, now, I’ve come back again
Why do I find it hard to write the next line?
Oh, I want the truth to be said
Huh huh uh-huh hi
I know this much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
I know this much is true
This much is true
This much is true
This much is true
This much is true
This much is true
This much is true
This much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
Know this much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
Know this much is true
This much is true
This much is true
I know, I know, I know this much is true
This much is true
This much is true
This much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
This much is true
I know this much is true
Know this much is true
This much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
This much is true
Know this much is true
This much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
This much is true
Know this much is true
I know, I know, I know this much is true
This much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
This much is true
I know this much is true
Know this much is true
This much is true
Huh huh uh-huh hi
This much is true
Written By Gary Kemp
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