Real a Lie

"Real a Lie"
Single by Auf der Maur
from the album Auf der Maur
B-side	"My Foggy Notion" (demo version)
Released	February 2, 2004
Recorded	2003-2004
Genre	Alternative rock
Length	4:22
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Melissa Auf der Maur, Steve Durand
Producer(s)	Chris Goss, Melissa Auf der Maur
Auf der Maur singles chronology
"Followed the Waves" (2004) "Real a Lie" (2004) "Taste You" (2004)

"Real a Lie" (also known as "Real, a Lie") is the second single from Auf der Maur's self-titled solo debut. The song failed to chart in the United States, however, due to a successful tour of the United Kingdom, it fared slightly better than "Followed the Waves" there, peaking at #33.

Background and production

"Real a Lie" was one of the many songs written by Melissa Auf der Maur over a 12-year period from 1992 to 2004. Originally titled "Realalie", the song was first performed by her original band, Tinker, which also included co-writer Steve Durand, and was released as the band's second single in 1994, which was backed with the b-side "Saxon Princess." Auf der Maur later reworked the song during the recording sessions for Auf der Maur in 2003-4 featuring a layer Wall of sound of guitars and reworked lyrics. The song was featured as the third track on the album.

Track listing and formats

• CD single

1. "Real a Lie" – 4:22 (Auf der Maur, Steve Durand)
2. "My Foggy Notion" (demo version) – 4:13 (Auf der Maur)

• Maxi single

1. "Real a Lie" – 4:22
2. "Afraid" – 3:38 (Christa Paeffgen)
3. "Taste You" (acoustic) – 4:49 (Auf der Maur)
4. "Real a Lie" (enhanced video)

• Limited UK 7" vinyl single

1. "Real a Lie" – 4:22
2. "Afraid" – 3:38

• European promo CD

1. "Real a Lie" (radio edit) – 3:33
2. "Real a Lie" (album version) – 4:22

Music video

A promotional music video was created for the single in 2004 and released on May 3, 2004. The video is compiled of photographs of Auf der Maur performing "Real a Lie" and was recorded in still motion.

Chart positions

Chart (2004)	Peak position
United Kingdom	33

Musicians and personnel

Musicians and performers

• Melissa Auf der Maur – lead vocals, bass, additional guitar
• Steve Durand  – lead guitar
• Chris Goss – additional guitar, backing vocals
• Jordon Zadorozny – additional guitar
• Jeordie White – additional guitar
• Brant Bjork – drums
• John Stanier – additional drums
• Nick Oliveri – additional bass, backing vocals
• Kelli Scott – additional drums
• Atom Willard – additional drums

Production personnel

• Chris Goss – producer, engineer
• Melissa Auf der Maur – additional production
• Martin Schmelzle – engineer
• Matt Mahaffey – engineer, mixer (on "Afraid")
• Ben Grosse – mixer