Released in 1982 as the lead single from his self-titled debut solo album, Lionel Richie’s “Truly” is a tender pop-soul ballad that serves as an unreserved pledge of lifelong love and devotion. The lyrics capture the vulnerability of total emotional commitment, as the narrator offers complete honesty and selflessness to his partner:
Lionel Richie – Truly Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Girl, tell me only this
That I have your heart for always
And you want me by your side
Whispering the words “I’ll always love you”
[Bridge]
And forever
I will be your lover
And I know if you really care
I will always be there
[Verse 2]
Now I need to tell you this
There’s no other love like your love
And I, as long as I live
I’ll give you all the joy my heart and soul can give
[Bridge]
Let me hold you
I need to have you near me
And I feel with you in my arms
This love will last forever
[Chorus]
Because I’m truly
Truly in love with you, girl
I’m truly head over heels with your love
I need you, and with your love, I’m free
And truly, you know you’re all right, with me
By expressing a deep desire to protect, cherish, and stand by his beloved through any circumstance, Richie crafted an enduring romantic anthem that earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and established his signature voice as a solo artist.
