The Ultimate Breakup Anthem
"Truth Hurts" is the song that cemented Lizzo as a global superstar. Released in 2017 but topping charts in 2019, it combines pop, hip-hop, and R&B elements. It requires a vocalist who can switch seamlessly between a rapid-fire "rap-singing" style and a powerful melodic belt.
The song sits in the key of C Major. While the notes themselves aren't extremely high, the challenge lies in the attitude. If you sing this perfectly in tune but without the sass, it will fall flat. Let's break down how to capture that energy.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
The verses are fast. Our analysis shows users lose points on the line "Bom bom bi dom bi dum bum bay." Practice this slowly with a metronome to ensure every syllable is distinct before speeding it up.
Phase 1: The Iconic Intro (0:00 - 0:18)
The song opens with the famous line: "Why men great 'til they gotta be great?" This is sung in a chest-dominant mix. It sits right in the middle of the female speaking range (around A3-C4).
The Trap: Don't make it too melodic. This section is essentially spoken word with pitch. Keep it dry, percussive, and confident. Imagine you are talking to your best friend.
Phase 2: The Rap-Sing Verses (0:19 - 0:54)
This is where breath control becomes critical. The lyrics come fast: "You coulda had a bad bitch, non-committal." You need to take quick "sip" breaths between phrases so you don't run out of air.
- Rhythm: The AI Coach tracks your timing down to the millisecond. Being late on the beat here ruins the groove.
- Articulation: Over-enunciate your consonants (T's, B's, and P's) to cut through the heavy bassline.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (0:55 - 1:12)
The energy explodes here. Lizzo belts up to a C5 on the word "Great." This needs to be a full-bodied sound. Do not flip into falsetto here, or you will lose the power of the anthem.
To hit the C5 safely, anchor your breath low in your body and think of sending the sound forward towards your nose/mask (forward placement). This gives you the "brassiness" required for Lizzo's tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the main melody is a C5. There are ad-libs that touch D5, but the core strength is required in the A4-C5 range.
Not necessarily, but you need rhythm. The verses are "sing-rap." Treat them like a melody with very little pitch variation but lots of rhythmic precision.
Smile while you sing! Physicality changes your tone. Stand tall, use hand gestures, and smile to brighten the sound and add that natural sass.
