“When Will You Learn” by Boy George
On “When Will You Learn”, Boy George is very much possibly addressing a lover. But more to the point is that this is someone he is close to and very familiar with.
Also, we can say that the vocalist is concerned for the addressee’s wellbeing or in the very least how the latter’s less-than-favorable characteristics affect their relationship. For what the title is apparently based on is an admonishment for this individual to “learn” from his mistakes and make changes accordingly.
And what it appears he has a tendency to do is behave in a hateful, deceitful manner and then put the blame on others.
So again, it is obvious that George has issues with this individual, who is someone he deals with regularly. But the corrections he wants him to make read like the addressee needs mental adjustments that extend beyond the realm of this relationship only.
And apparently this is something he has already admitted to though is reluctant to actually change, as promised.
Was “When Will You Learn” a single release?
Yes. It was a 1998 single by Boy George. It was a non-album single.
Writing and Production
The song was penned by Boy George in conjunction with Mike Koglin and John Themis.
George later proceeded to produce the song himself with assistance from one of its co-writers Mike Koglin.
Awards/Honors
At the 1999 Grammy Awards, Madonna’s “Ray of Light” beat “When Will You Learn” and three other songs listed below to win the award for “Best Dance Recording”:
- “Around the World” performed by Daft Punk
- “Heaven’s What I Feel” performed by Gloria Estefan
- “Disco Inferno” performed by Cyndi Lauper
