George's androgynous style caught the attention of music executive Malcolm McLaren, who arranged for George to perform with the group Bow Wow Wow, featuring Annabella Lwin, at various shows. George called himself Lieutenant Lush and nearly stole the spotlight from Lwin. George and Bow Wow Wow didn't last long after that and George started his own group with bassist Mikey Craig. In Praise Of Lemmings was to be the name of the group. Jon Moss (who had drummed with The Damned, Adam and the Ants and London) came aboard. Shortly thereafter, Roy Hay came into the mix, after an association with another guitarist proved unsatifactory, and they abandoned yet another name, Sex Gang Children. After realizing that the group consisted of an Irish transvestite singer, a Jamaican-Briton on bass, a Jewish drummer, and an Englishman on guitar, they settle on the name Culture Club.
The band signed with Virgin Records in the U.K. and with Epic Records in America, as Virgin didn't have a U.S. presence at the time, and released it's debut album "Kissing To Be Clever" in 1982. The first single "White Boy" wasn't a mainstream hit and failed to chart but George was still happy because "five thousand people bought my single and didn't even know me". The next single, "I'm Afraid Of Me" also did not become a pop hit. It wasn't until the release of the third single, "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me", that the group enjoyed massive success. It hit #1 in sixteen countries (#2 U.S.) and the group became a staple on American radio and the new MTV network. This single was followed by the number two peaking "Time (Clock Of The Heart)" and the number nine "I'll Tumble 4 Ya". This gave Culture Club the distinction of being the first group since the Beatles to amass at least three top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 from a debut album.
1983 and 1984 saw the group at it's peak, dominating charts, MTV, and magazine covers partly due to the release of it's next album "Colour By Numbers". First single "Church Of The Poison Mind" (featuring Helen Terry) became a Top 10 hit and "Karma Chameleon" hit #1 for four weeks in the U.S. and was the biggest selling UK single of the year, having six weeks at No.1). It also became a #1 single in numerous countries around the world and stands as the group's biggest hit. "Miss Me Blind" and "It's A Miracle" were Top 10 and Top 20 hits respectively and "Victims" was another U.K. hit. The group took home the Grammy for Best New Artist - Duo Or Group and George gave a speech to U.S audiences via satellite; "Thanks America. You've got style and taste, and you know a good drag queen when you see one". Colour By Numbers would go on to sell four million copies in the U.S. at it's time of release and millions more worldwide, making Culture Club the biggest group in the world at the time. Years later, Rolling Stone magazine would include the LP in it's list of Top 100 Albums Of All-Time.
George's striking looks inspired many Boy George look-alike contests around the world, and his face became the image of Culture Club. He became an alternative teen idol, and had the extravagant lifestyle to go with it. His appeal was due to his likeableness and his wit. He is responsible for one of the 1980's most famous quotes, which he delivered to Barbara Walters on a tv interview - "I prefer a nice cup of tea to sex" - which many years later he would say was totally untrue. The fact that he could actually sing and had a distinct soulful voice was a great attribute as well.
By 1985 Boy George had become a household name in many countries around the world. That year he appeared, redheaded, on the Band Aid single to raise money for aid to famine-stricken Ethiopia, with a lead vocal role. The worldwide success of the multi-British and Irish artist single lead to a U.S version, "We Are The World. And in 1986 he guest-starred on an episode of the A-Team entitled "Cowboy George". However, two subsequent Culture Club albums (Waking Up With The House On Fire and From Luxury To Heartache) performed poorly as the band only manage to obtain two more hits; "The War Song" and "Move Away". Throughout the years, George had been involve in a relationship with Culture Club's drummer Jon Moss and when that fizzled, he turned to drugs to ease the pain. This caused the downward spiral of the group and they eventually disbanded, as George could no longer work with Moss. One sign of the group's imminent breakup was that they didn't appear at the Live Aid event, and they were a major act.
George's addiction to heroin was severe and he began an on again-off again fight against the drug for many years. He would appear in public under the influence and even attempted to do concerts in such state. Addictions to other drugs followed and George's brother, in an attempt to save his famous sibling from death, went on U.K. national television and blew the whistle on George. Some of George's associates had died of overdoses but when an American musician he was working with was found dead at his London mansion from an overdose, this hit home for George. He finally quit using drugs.
Virgin Records had now set up a U.S. operation and George moved from Epic Records in America to Virgin worldwide. George's first solo album released after the breakup of the band was entitled "Sold". It was very successful in the U.K., spawning many hit singles (including the #1 U.K. hit "Everything I Own") but he could not duplicate that success in the U.S. He did score a moderate hit with the song "Living My Life" (#40 U.S.) from the "Hiding Out" soundtrack. His next U.S album would be "High Hat", comprised of songs from two of his solo British albums released after "Sold". As an album, "High Hat" is one of his strongest releases in America material wise, but was overlooked, although it contained the excellent R&B dance number "Don't Take My Mind On A Trip", produced by Teddy Riley. The single became a moderate R&B hit. Many of his following releases were songs to protest against the UK's restrictions on sex education relevant to the needs of homosexual students (known as Clause 28). In 1989 George formed his own label, More Protein. He also recorded under the moniker Jesus Loves You, (writing under the pseudonym Angela Dust), releasing an underground club hit "Generations Of Love" and what would become a signature song, "Bow Down Mister", inspired by his involvement in the Hare Krishna movement.
Life after Culture Club
In 1992, George scored a hit with a Pet Shop Boys produced cover version of the song "The Crying Game", which was featured on the movie of the same name, and landed in the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100. Although he had subsequent solo hits in the U.K. since the breakup of the band, this would be his first U.S. hit since Culture Club's 1986 single "Move Away". However, he did not capitalized on his resurgence by immediately releasing an album. When he finally did release the rock-driven Cheapness And Beauty a few years later, the momentum had already died. From that album, he released his version of the Iggy Pop song "Funtime." Still, George would say that the "Crying Game" era gave him a sense of satisfaction. His former lover Jon Moss had told him, after the messy breakup of Culture Club, that George would never have another major hit in America without the band. George was more than happy to prove him wrong.
Boy George continues to remain a global pop icon and a successful music DJ. He once again started touring the world as a DJ in the late 1990s and starred in the London musical Taboo, based on his life (George didn't play himself, opting instead to take on the persona of Australian-born performance artist Leigh Bowery). Taboo was a huge success in London's West End. During 2003 he presented a weekly show on London's LBC radio for 6 months. George has been reported by fans who have met him in person to be an avid autograph signer. In August 1994, a British court tossed out a paternity suit filed against him by a Californian woman.
Harper Collins published the autobiography of Boy George, Take It Like A Man, in 1995. George wrote of his relationship with Kirk Brandon, singer with Spear of Destiny and the earlier Theatre of Hate, who began a High Court action against George.
George, taking the witness stand, faced a "malicious falsehood" charge brought against him by Brandon, now married and a father, who denied that he once had a sexual relationship with George. Brandon lost. During the trial, Boy George had claimed that Kirk Brandon had been the love of his life and that he still loved him.
In his book, George also told his side of his secret relationship with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss. He stated many of the songs he wrote for Culture Club were directed at Moss. He also alleged that Moss had broken off his engagement to be with George, and that Moss was never comfortable in a gay relationship although Moss was bisexual.
In July 1998, a reunited Culture Club performed three dates in Monte Carlo and then joined Human League and Howard Jones in a "Big Rewind" tour of the US. The following month, the band appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and made an appearance in Britain, their first in 14 years. Later that year, the band had a Top Ten hit in the UK with "I Just Wanna Be Loved".
In 1998, Boy George began writing a weekly column in The Daily Express and hosted a weekly radio show on the Galaxy Radio Network. In October 2005 he was arrested in New York City on suspicion for possession of cocaine and appeared in court in February 2006. George stated the drugs were not his and has declared his innocence.
Current activity
He's a successful DJ that occassionally tours and remains a pop icon.
Boy George has also sung "Bow Down Mister" with the Indian songstress, Asha Bhosle.
He has also recently appeared as a guest on the British comedy-talk show The Kumars at No. 42.
In 2005 he published Straight in Britain, his second autobiographical book. He lives in Manhattan.
On October 7 2005, he was arrested in Manhattan on suspicion of possessing cocaine, (BBC Online Report) and appeared in court on 1 February, 2006 (BBC Online Report) on charges of cocaine possession. On 8 March 2006 he pleaded guilty to wasting police time; the charge of possessing cocaine was dropped, and he was given a non-custodial sentence and fined. (BBC News report).
Quotes
London newspaper, 1984: "I'm not gay, and I'm not a transvestite." (At other times he has characterized himself as "bisexual", "very confused", "not confused", and "not really all that keen on sex".)
To Be Reborn
Boy George Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't apologise
'Cause I ain't got no time
For no more lies
You know the answer
I gave it to you
But you carry on
With the things that you do
I, I could live, I could die
I could be reborn in your arms
I, I could laugh, I could cry, I could sigh if you're there
To keep me warm
To keep me warm, warm, warm
Talk to me
Open your eyes
Talk to me
Lose the disguise
We had good love
Most of the time
Give it back
That love is mine
Give it back
Just one more time
I, I could live, I could die
I could be reborn in your arms
I, I could laugh, I could cry, I could sigh if you're there
To keep me warm
To keep me warm, warm, warm
I know the answer
What can we do
I know the answer, yeah
So do you
I gave you love
I gave it to you
I gave you love - something new
I gave you love
I, I could live, I could die
I could be reborn in your arms
I, I could laugh, I could cry, I could sigh if you're there
To keep me warm
To keep me warm, warm, warm
The lyrics of Boy George's song "To Be Reborn" are about finding love again after a difficult relationship. The singer is addressing their former partner, who they feel is still lying to them and hiding behind a disguise. Despite this, the singer still has hope for a future with this person, saying they "could be reborn in your arms" and "laugh, cry, sigh if you're there to keep me warm."
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer telling their partner to stop apologizing and lying. They have already given the answer to the problems in their relationship, but their partner continues to carry on with the same issues. The chorus expresses the singer's desire to find warmth and love with this person again, even though they acknowledge that it may not be easy.
The second verse continues with the sentiment of the first, with the singer pleading for their partner to talk to them and show their true self. They had good love in the past, but it was not always perfect. Despite this, the singer wants to try again and get back what was once theirs. The final verse reiterates the idea that the singer has already given love to their partner, and now it's up to them to reciprocate it.
Overall, "To Be Reborn" is a song that speaks to the vulnerability and optimism involved in trying to love again after being hurt.
Line by Line Meaning
Get off your knees
Stop apologizing and begging for forgiveness.
Don't apologise
Do not apologize anymore.
'Cause I ain't got no time
I cannot waste time on lies anymore.
For no more lies
I am not interested in hearing any more lies.
You know the answer
You already know the solution to the problem.
I gave it to you
I already provided the answer to you.
But you carry on
However, you continue to do things your way.
With the things that you do
And that is causing more harm than good.
Yes I have tried
I have already done my best to help.
I, I could live, I could die
I have different emotions, and I could either live or die at any given time.
I could be reborn in your arms
You have the power to make me feel alive again.
I could laugh, I could cry, I could sigh if you're there
Being with you will make me experience different emotions, including happiness, sadness, and relief.
To keep me warm
I need you to comfort me and make me feel safe.
To keep me warm, warm, warm
I need you to continuously reassure me of your love and care.
Talk to me
Please tell me how you truly feel.
Open your eyes
Stop pretending and be honest with yourself.
Lose the disguise
Remove your mask and be your real self.
We had good love
We shared a beautiful relationship.
Most of the time
However, it has not always been perfect.
Give it back
Please give me back the love we used to have.
That love is mine
I know that the love we had was real.
Just one more time
Let's try one more time and make things work.
I know the answer
I am aware of the solution to our problem.
What can we do
However, what can we do to make things right?
So do you
You also know what we need to do.
I gave you love
I have already given you everything I have, and that includes my love.
I gave it to you
I already shared my love with you, and I hope you feel the same way.
I gave you love - something new
I offered you my unique way of loving someone, and I hope you appreciate it.
To keep me warm
Once again, I need you to comfort me and make me feel safe.
To keep me warm, warm, warm
I need you to continuously reassure me of your love and care, and make me feel that everything will be okay.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, GEORGE O'DOWD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ozden BRIOT
Get off your knees
Don't apologise
'Cause I ain't got no time
For no more lies
You know the answer
I gave it to you
But you carry on
With the things that you do
Yes I have tried
I, I could live, I could die
I could be reborn in your arms
I, I could laugh, I could cry, I could sigh if you're there
To keep me warm
To keep me warm, warm, warm
Talk to me
Open your eyes
Talk to me
Lose the disguise
We had good love
Most of the time
Give it back
That love is mine
Give it back
Just one more time
I, I could live, I could die
I could be reborn in your arms
I, I could laugh, I could cry, I could sigh if you're there
To keep me warm
To keep me warm, warm, warm
I know the answer
What can we do
I know the answer, yeah
So do you
I gave you love
I gave it to you
I gave you love - something new
I gave you love
I, I could live, I could die
I could be reborn in your arms
I, I could laugh, I could cry, I could sigh if you're there
To keep me warm
To keep me warm, warm, warm
MICHAEL HENICKER
Yes, after Madonna ripped him off this amazing video for "This used to be my playground", he wittily called it "This used to be my video". Anyway, this song is one of George's masterpieces. He looks so beautiful and i adore everything in it. As often, it was a bit overlookedI in the UK but it was a massive hit in France, Italy and Spain. George, thank you for all the brilliant years. Sure there are more to come.......XXXXXXXXXXXXX
mikey p
Your wrong, This single was not overlooked in the UK, Yea was a massive hit in France getting top 20, and Italy + Spain top 10
You must be losing your memory, As this single was also a top 20 hit in the UK
Rich Alderson
It's a real shame Boy George's solo work doesn't get the attention it deserves, it's so beautiful and open and in many ways artistically surpasses Culture Club. Time for a reappraisal I'd say!
Rich Alderson
@Cristian Montiel I would think with him being the focal point of Culture Club that commercially at least, it would have done better but I guess audiences sometimes can't accept some people as solo artists after they leave a big band.
Cristian Montiel
At one point you are right but it is difficult to compare the work of a soloist with a band
Rich Alderson
@Arsen Jaho Sure they were, but they could be a bit too sugary sometimes. Boy George matured a lot when he went solo. I think his solo work at least deserves more respect than it has as most of it got pretty much ignored when it was released.
Arsen Jaho
No way! CULTURE CLUB were gods. They were much better than Boy George solo.
Heibel Michael
Madonna has stolen the idea of his video "To be reborn" for her 1992 single "This used to be my playground".
Pat Binion
i am 74 yrs old and I believe this is one of the best of the best. I had this on a vinyl 33 many years ago
LaMoore Linkous
I'm 52 and you're exactly right!! One of his best, definitely..