True Colors / Friendship
Friends
Song: “True Colors” (1986) by Cyndi Lauper
Today is the International Day of Friendship, a reminder to celebrate one of life’s greatest gifts. Friendships rarely receive the same public milestones as romantic relationships, yet our friends probably shape us more than almost any other relationships in life. For many of us, friends are our chosen families, there when we struggle, ready to celebrate, remind us of our identity, and support us as we grow and change.
Few songs express that kind of unconditional support more beautifully than Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors.” Rather than the grand gestures of romance, this celebrates the quiet acceptance of a true friend. The song reminds us that the people who love us best are often the ones who see our “true colors” even when we struggle to see them ourselves. They encourage us to be authentic, offering kindness, reassurance, and hope when we need it most.
In conversation with: “Friendship” (1939) by Cole Porter
Cole Porter celebrated friendship from a very different perspective. Written for the Broadway musical DuBarry Was a Lady, “Friendship” is witty, playful, and full of Porter’s trademark clever rhymes. Instead of focusing on vulnerability, it delights in the simple joy of companionship and shared experiences.
Together, these songs suggest that friendship is both comforting and joyful. Sometimes our friends are the people who lift our spirits through laughter and adventure. At other times, they are the people who quietly stand beside us, helping us rediscover the best parts of ourselves. Both kinds of friendship are worth celebrating.
One of the unexpected gifts of Musical Dialogues has been the opportunity to invite friends to share the songs that are important to them. Their stories have become part of this project, and have reminded me of the emotional and lived experience of music. It is a richer project pairing these stories alongside musical analysis and history. It’s a reminder of the central place of music in our lives. .
On this International Day of Friendship, I’m grateful for the many friends who have filled my life with music, laughter, encouragement, and unforgettable memories. May we all take a moment today to celebrate the people whose true colors have brightened our own lives.