“You say you love me but you won’t say where you’ve been / Truth is, I don’t think I’ll ever win”
“Truth is, you’re good at making me feel crazy / Truth is, I’m better off not asking lately”
(Exact wording varies slightly between leaks – no official lyrics exist.)
In the hyper-accelerated ecosystem of pop music, what an artist doesn't release often tells us as much as their platinum singles. For Tate McRae, a master of emotional minimalism and percussive pop anxiety, the gap between her THINK LATER album (2023) and its preceding loosies and leaks has become a fascinating case study. Among the most tantalizing of these ghosts is the track known simply as “truth is.”
Unlike an official single or a deep cut, “truth is” exists in the liminal space of the demo—a track that surfaced, circulated, and was ultimately left on the cutting room floor. To listen to it is to hear a parallel-universe version of McRae’s sophomore era, one that leans harder into the raw, confessional diarism of i used to think i could fly while still grappling with the sleek, dance-pop ambitions of THINK LATER.
Fans who have heard the demo often describe it as a “missing link.” It explains how McRae could evolve from the bedroom-pop vulnerability of i used to think i could fly to the confident strut of THINK LATER without losing her core identity.
Officially releasing “truth is”—whether as a deluxe track, a Record Store Day exclusive, or a surprise drop—would serve several purposes:
From the low-quality snippets that have surfaced on TikTok and Twitter, here is the sonic profile of “truth is” :
Key Lyric Snippet (as transcribed by fan ears):
"You say you want the honesty, but truth is / You wouldn't last one minute in my shoes / Truth is, I saw the text, I saw the bruise / Truth is, I got nothing left to lose."
If “she’s all i wanna be” was about jealous anxiety, “truth is” is about the cold, hard reality after the anxiety is confirmed.
“truth is” is more than a leak; it’s a ghost in the jukebox of Tate McRae’s career. It represents the path not taken—a version of THINK LATER that was darker, slower, and more psychologically complex. In leaving it unreleased, McRae and her team made a commercial bet on confidence over confusion, on “greedy” over genuine.
But great pop artists are defined by their contradictions. One hopes that “truth is” will eventually see an official release, not as a bonus track, but as a statement. Because the truth is, the songs we’re too afraid to put on the album are often the ones that best explain who we actually are.
For Tate McRae ’s unreleased track "truth is" (an outtake from the THINK LATER era produced by Blake Slatkin), a feature should complement its raw, "liar-exposed" theme and dance-pop/trap-pop production style.
Based on the lyrics about being lied to and seeing a partner "looking into some other girls eyes" at a party, here are three strong feature options: 1. The Kid LAROI (The "Fan-Favorite" Choice)
There is already significant fan demand for an official collaboration between these two, with unreleased snippets of them together frequently circulating. tate mcrae truth is unreleased from think la
Why it works: Both artists excel at "sad-pop" with a trap-heavy edge. His gritty, melodic rap style would fit perfectly as a response verse—perhaps from the perspective of the "liar" trying to defend his side of the story.
Vibe: A high-energy, emotionally charged duet similar to their respective solo hits like "greedy" or "STAY." 2. Sabrina Carpenter (The "Pop Perfection" Choice) Truth Is
The song "truth is" is an unreleased track by Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae, originally intended for her second studio album, THINK LATER. Although it was cut from the final 14-song tracklist, it has since become a viral favorite among fans who continue to advocate for its official release. Background and Teasers
McRae first hinted at the song on April 26, 2023, through an Instagram caption, followed by a short audio snippet shared on her Instagram Story on May 4, 2023. Produced by Blake Slatkin, who also worked on hits like "greedy," the track was eventually removed before the album's December 2023 release. Despite this, edited and unedited versions of the song leaked online in late 2024, fueling a second wave of interest on platforms like TikTok and SoundCloud. Lyrical Themes and Style
"truth is" fits the "think later" ethos—a phrase McRae uses to describe acting on impulse and dealing with the consequences afterward. The lyrics explore themes of deception, betrayal, and the frustration of being lied to by someone you love. Key highlights from the Lyrics on Genius:
The Conflict: The opening lines confront a partner who claims to be thinking of her but is seen in photos at a party with someone else.
The Hook: The chorus centers on the powerful line, "As long as the stars are on fire / The truth can't be told by a liar," emphasizing the impossibility of trust once it's broken.
Emotional Weight: Critics and fans note the track's blend of introspective, sad lyrics with the trap-pop and dance-pop production styles found on the full THINK LATER album. Why Was It Cut?
While McRae hasn't explicitly stated why "truth is" was omitted, she mentioned that the final selection for THINK LATER was designed to capture a specific "chaotic night" energy. Other unreleased tracks from this era, such as "No Promises" and "Bad Friend," were also left on the cutting room floor as she narrowed the album down to its most cohesive narrative. Where to Hear It
Since it is not on official streaming platforms like Apple Music or Spotify, fans typically find "truth is" through:
The story of "Think Later" is one of meteoric success, but for die-hard fans of Tate McRae, the album’s tracklist is defined as much by what stayed as what was left behind. Among the most discussed "lost" tracks is the enigmatic "Truth Is," a song that has become a cornerstone of fan theories and unreleased music deep-dives. While the 2023 album cemented Tate as a global pop-choreography powerhouse, "Truth Is" represents the raw, vulnerable songwriting that first built her massive online following.
The origins of "Truth Is" trace back to the intensive writing sessions in Los Angeles that birthed the "Think Later" era. Working alongside hitmakers like Ryan Tedder, Tate was exploring a new sonic landscape—one that blended her signature heartbreak ballads with high-energy, Y2K-inspired pop. Fans first caught wind of the track through social media snippets and leaked session notes. The song was reportedly a mid-tempo reflection on the blurred lines between honesty and self-preservation in a failing relationship, fitting perfectly with the album's themes of impulsive decisions and emotional consequences.
So, why did "Truth Is" remain unreleased? In the music industry, the "cutting room floor" is rarely about quality and almost always about cohesion. "Think Later" was curated to be a tight, punchy, 38-minute experience. Tracks like "greedy" and "exes" pushed a specific "main pop girl" energy that demanded high-tempo production. Insiders suggest that "Truth Is" leaned more into the atmospheric, moody pop of her debut album, "i used to think i could fly." Ultimately, the creative team likely felt it didn't align with the "hockey-chic" aesthetic and high-octane performance style Tate was aiming for during the world tour.
The "Think Later" unreleased vault has since become a treasure trove for the "Tate-ers" fandom. On platforms like TikTok and X, snippets of "Truth Is" continue to circulate, often paired with demands for a deluxe edition or a "from the vault" EP. This phenomenon isn't new for McRae; her transition from a YouTube "bedroom songwriter" to a global star means her fans are deeply invested in her evolution. They don't just want the hits; they want the diary entries that led to them. “You say you love me but you won’t
While "Truth Is" remains officially locked away, its legacy persists as a testament to Tate McRae’s prolific output during her stay in LA. It serves as a reminder that for every chart-topping hit like "run for the hills," there is a hidden gem that reveals a different side of the artist. Whether it eventually sees the light of day on a future project or remains a legendary piece of fan lore, "Truth Is" is a vital chapter in the story of one of pop music's most exciting new icons.
The Unreleased Truth: Tate McRae's Highly Anticipated Single from Think of You LA
The music industry has been abuzz with excitement as rumors swirl around Tate McRae's upcoming single, Truth, which is reportedly unreleased from her EP Think of You LA. As a rising star in the music scene, Tate McRae has been making waves with her emotive and introspective songwriting, captivating audiences with her relatable lyrics and soaring vocals. With Think of You LA, McRae promises to deliver a collection of songs that showcase her growth, vulnerability, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
The Anticipation Builds
Fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from Tate McRae, and the speculation surrounding Truth has reached a fever pitch. Although details about the single are scarce, sources close to the artist suggest that Truth is a standout track from Think of You LA, boasting a haunting melody and poignant lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. As one of the most anticipated unreleased songs of the year, Truth is expected to make a significant impact on the music world.
Tate McRae: A Rising Star
At just 18 years old, Tate McRae has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Born in Canada, McRae began her music career on YouTube, where she would post covers and original songs, eventually gaining a massive following and catching the attention of record labels. Her debut single, You Broke Me First, became a viral hit, topping the charts and earning her a record deal with RCA Records.
Since then, McRae has released a string of successful singles, including Tear Myself Apart and She's All I Want, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and emotional depth. Her music often deals with themes of love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment, resonating with a generation of young listeners seeking authenticity and connection.
Think of You LA: A Highly Anticipated EP
Think of You LA is McRae's highly anticipated EP, which promises to deliver a cohesive collection of songs that reflect her growth and artistic evolution. Although the exact release date remains under wraps, fans are eagerly awaiting the drop, speculating about the tracklist and potential collaborations. With Truth reportedly part of the EP, fans are expecting a raw, honest, and possibly even more experimental sound from McRae.
The Significance of Unreleased Music
In today's music landscape, unreleased music has become a prized commodity, often sparking intense debate and speculation among fans and industry insiders. The allure of unreleased tracks lies in their exclusivity and the promise of new, unheard music from an artist. For Tate McRae, the buzz surrounding Truth serves as a testament to her growing influence and the anticipation surrounding her upcoming projects.
A Glimpse into Tate McRae's Creative Process
In a recent interview, McRae shared insights into her creative process, revealing that she draws inspiration from personal experiences, emotions, and observations. Her songwriting approach often involves pouring her heart and soul into her lyrics, crafting melodies that complement her emotional vocals. With Truth, fans are expecting a similarly introspective and cathartic listening experience. (Exact wording varies slightly between leaks – no
The Impact of Truth
When Truth is eventually released, it is likely to make a significant impact on the music world. As a highly anticipated single from Think of You LA, Truth has the potential to debut at the top of the charts, solidifying McRae's position as a rising star in the industry. Moreover, the song's themes and message are expected to resonate with fans, fostering a deeper connection between McRae and her audience.
Conclusion
As the music world waits with bated breath for Tate McRae's Truth, one thing is certain: this unreleased single from Think of You LA has already generated immense excitement and anticipation. With McRae's proven track record of crafting emotionally charged, relatable songs, Truth promises to be a standout track that showcases her growth, vulnerability, and artistic range.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply a music enthusiast, the upcoming release of Truth is an event worth looking forward to. As Tate McRae continues to push the boundaries of her creativity and connect with audiences worldwide, one thing is clear: the truth is, Tate McRae is here to stay, and Truth will be a testament to her unwavering talent and dedication to her craft.
Title: Tate McRae’s “truth is” – The ‘Think Later’ Cut That Deserves Better
If you’ve been deep-diving into Tate McRae’s Think Later era, you might have felt something was missing. Amidst the gritty basslines of “exes” and the vulnerable highs of “greedy,” there is a ghost track floating around the internet that fans are desperate to have officially: “truth is.”
For those just catching up: “truth is” is an unreleased gem from the Think Later recording sessions. While Tate ultimately left it on the cutting room floor, the snippet and the leaked demo have become a cult favorite among her core fanbase.
Here is everything we know about the heartbreaking track that got away.
Possible reasons:
Sonically, “truth is” feels incomplete by design—not unfinished, but deliberately skeletal. The beat is a muted, finger-snapped trap-lite pattern, reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever ballads. There is no euphoric drop. Instead, a wobbling, low-pass-filtered synth pad provides the harmonic bed while McRae’s vocal sits front and center, double-tracked in the verses but starkly alone in the pre-chorus.
The most intriguing production choice is the absence of a proper bassline. The low end is implied rather than felt, creating a hollow, aching void that mirrors the song’s thematic emptiness. When the chorus arrives, it doesn’t explode—it leans in. The drums add a rimshot, not a kick drum. It’s a restrained anthem, a catharsis that refuses to release.
This is likely why “truth is” was left behind. THINK LATER was designed for arenas and TikTok transitions. “truth is” is for a late-night drive in the rain. It is introverted pop, whereas the label needed extroverted pop.