“Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club

As made evident by the lyrics, this song is centered on a romance the singer is in. And whereas these days Boy George is long known for being gay, “Karma Chameleon” was released before he came out of the closet. That is to say that yes, even back in 1983 many people rightly presumed that he was a homosexual. However, such was yet to be made official, so he was given the benefit of the doubt. 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Culture Club's Karma Chameleon at Lyrics.org.

Accordingly even if someone really listened to the lyrics of this track and could tell it’s a love song, they wouldn’t go as far as to speculate it was directed towards one of his male bandmates, as seems to be the case. And along those same lines we have the true meaning behind the tune. According to Boy George it is actually about, succinctly put, not keeping it real with yourself. And on one hand yes, this sentiment is being directed at a lover whom he apparently has a toxic relationship with. But all things considered, it can be speculated that it is also based on the singer’s frustration, perhaps once again being aimed at his lover, in terms of the two of them not being able to openly, as in publicly proclaim their love.

Facts about “Karma Chameleon”

“Karma Chameleon” was released in 1983 by Culture Club as part of their ‘Colour by Numbers’ album. It was initially released in the United Kingdom. 

As explained by the singer, the track talks about the karma that comes with trying to please everyone and not being true to yourself. It talks about how scared some people are when it comes to being left alone or ignored due to their beliefs.

In 1984 during the Brit Awards, the track won Best British Single.

It is also believed that, Boy George who was part of the group wrote parts of the song about his lover who was also the drummer of the group by name Jon Moss; especially considering their relationship was not public knowledge. He stated that when he brought the song to his team, they were not ecstatic about it initially but they agreed to record it after some time. 

5 Responses

  1. Messiah Apostle says:

    Love is not Sin!!! Sin is not Love!!! Mr. Boy George and company and their supporters are making The ALMIGHTY God in Christ Jesus a liar, ultimately insulting and assaulting HIM by this wicked song from Satan that is evangelizing homosexuality! God is never mocked; HE Always laughs LAST! Holy Bible Proverbs 1:20-32, Romans 1,:18-32.

    • Poor Christ says:

      I feel bad for Jesus, his name is being used to attack and spread hate by ignorant supporters like you. He must be so mad, he died for idiots like you who did not focus on what really matters – being a good person. Instead, you make up a whole bunch of rules and attack each other with it, using his name like a weapon. Truly sad.

  2. Bygglesworth says:

    Actually, I find the song rather strange.

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