diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 3022836d..3546d92e 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -91,9 +91,13 @@
 * Crash when a sixel image exceeds the current sixel max height.
 * Crash after reverse-scrolling (`CSI Ps T`) in the ‘normal’
   (non-alternate) screen ([#1190][1190]).
+* Background transparency being applied to the text "behind" the
+  cursor. Only applies to block cursor using inversed fg/bg
+  colors. ([#1205][1205]).
 
 [1173]: https://codeberg.org/dnkl/foot/issues/1173
 [1190]: https://codeberg.org/dnkl/foot/issues/1190
+[1205]: https://codeberg.org/dnkl/foot/issues/1205
 
 
 ### Security
diff --git a/render.c b/render.c
index 76f4b7c6..822667ae 100644
--- a/render.c
+++ b/render.c
@@ -419,7 +419,14 @@ cursor_colors_for_cell(const struct terminal *term, const struct cell *cell,
         }
     } else {
         *cursor_color = *fg;
-        *text_color = *bg;
+
+        if (unlikely(text_color->alpha != 0xffff)) {
+            /* We *know* this only happens when bg is the default bg
+             * color */
+            *text_color = color_hex_to_pixman(
+                term->reverse ? term->colors.fg : term->colors.bg);
+        } else
+            *text_color = *bg;
     }
 }