Real a Lie

"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.Firecrasher, MAdM | Melissa Auf der Maur | Archives | Watching video: Auf der Maur - Real, A Lie http://www.melissaaufdermaur.org/video/view/auf_der_maur_real_a_lie/14 Retrieved on June 20, 2010. The video is compiled of photographs of Auf der Maur performing "Real a Lie" and was recorded in still motion.

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