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".)
Video Games
Boy George Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pull up in your fast car
Whistling my name
Open up a beer
And you say: ''get over here''
And play a video game
I'm in his favorite sun dress
Watching me get undressed
I say you the bestest
Lean in for a big kiss
Put his favorite perfume on
Go play a video game
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do, I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody... is loving you
Baby, now you do
Singing in the old bars
Swinging with the old stars
Living for the fame
Kissing in the blue dark
Playing pool and wild darts
Video games
He holds me in his big arms
Drunk and I am seeing stars
This is all I think of
Watching all our friends fall
In and out of Old Paul's
This is my idea of fun
Playing video games
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do, I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody... is loving you
Baby, now you do
(Now you do)
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do, I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody... is loving you
Baby, now you do
The lyrics of Boy George's song "Video Games" depict the singer in a relationship that revolves around playing video games and enjoying each other's company. The opening lines of the song create an image of the couple enjoying a lazy afternoon together, with the singer in a sun dress while her partner relaxes with a beer. The song continues to describe the relationship, with the singer expressing her love and devotion to her partner, proclaiming that everything she does is for him, and calling him the "bestest." The chorus is a declaration of love, with the singer singing that heaven is a place on earth with her partner, and asking him to tell her all the things he wants to do.
Despite the seemingly carefree nature of the relationship, there are also hints of darkness throughout the lyrics. The singer alludes to her partner's preference for "bad girls," and there are references to drunkenness and friends falling in and out of a bar named Old Paul's. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, underscored by the implication that the singer's love is conditional on being loved in return.
Overall, "Video Games" presents a complex portrait of a relationship that is both happy and troubled, exploring the joys and pitfalls of two people who are deeply connected but struggling to keep their connection alive.
Line by Line Meaning
Swinging in the backyard
Having fun in the backyard
Pull up in your fast car
Arriving in a fast car
Whistling my name
Getting my attention
Open up a beer
Opening a beer bottle
And you say: ''get over here''
Inviting me to come over
And play a video game
Suggesting we play video games together
I'm in his favorite sun dress
Wearing his favorite dress
Watching me get undressed
Observing me while I undress
Take that body downtown
Showing off my body
I say you the bestest
Complimenting him
Lean in for a big kiss
Going in for a romantic kiss
Put his favorite perfume on
Wearing his favorite fragrance
Go play a video game
Suggesting we continue playing video games
It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Focusing everything on him
Everything I do, I tell you all the time
Communicating constantly with him
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Feeling heavenly when with him
Tell me all the things you want to do
Asking him what he wants to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Referring to his preference for rebellious girls
Honey, is that true?
Asking him if it's true
It's better than I ever even knew
Realizing it's even better than expected
They say that the world was built for two
Believing that the world is meant for couples
Only worth living if somebody... is loving you
Feeling that life is only worth living with someone loving you
Baby, now you do
Feeling loved by him now
Singing in the old bars
Enjoying singing in old bars
Swinging with the old stars
Having fun with old celebrities
Living for the fame
Loving the spotlight
Kissing in the blue dark
Kissing in the dark
Playing pool and wild darts
Playing pool and darts
He holds me in his big arms
Being held in his big arms
Drunk and I am seeing stars
Being drunk and seeing stars
This is all I think of
Thinking only of him
Watching all our friends fall
Observing friends falling in love
In and out of Old Paul's
Going in and out of Old Paul's (bar or pub)
This is my idea of fun
Having fun with him
(Now you do)
Feeling loved by him now
Contributed by Joseph P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Adam Lowe Martin
This song makes me tear-up. Boy George has one of the greatest voices in all of pop-music, and his interpretation of this song is just so touching. Having a great vocal technique, which BG does, is one thing, but the way the song seems to come straight from his heart is another. Bono, Springsteen, Adele, Boy George - With every word they share a piece of their soul. Favorite song of the year.
Tokka
Just saw Boy George sing some of this with a blind audition on The Voice AU. Such a touching moment.
Aleksandar Dragičević
I am absolutely impressed. This song just got totally different feeling, it's beautiful. Boy's voice is wonderful.I could listen to it forever. I couldn't even pay attention to the video as song took me over completely. I really hope that Boy will do one amazing record soon where all the songs will highlight his beautiful voice and he will confirm once again what a legend he is.
Ryan Cucchi
I loved this song by Lana but I have to say the soul in his voice makes it so real. Beautiful.
danny MDNA
Ryan Cucchi someone like u would
chris sannicandro
Always loved George! One of the few singers today with an emotional voice. This cover is right on the spot of touching one's heart and only George can pull it together. Simple and sweet and that's my Boy!
Brunuh Matos
LIndo demais. Não consigo parar de escutar.
Bernardo Acosta Valderramos
Grandiosa versión !!
ベーネサリーン
Mr. Boy George, I honestly have to say that I've had trouble baring at LDR, but you have made me pay attention to this chick's lyrics. I confess I've followed your career since Culture Club. I admire you and I wish you never stop making us happy with the sound of your melodic voice. Keep on singing Mr. George, because you are so entitle to do it!
TheNouveauxdecadence
George, not only has your cover been so inspirational to me over the last month but this video is WONDERFUL! At first I was dissapointed you were not in the video BUT... WOW, it's so beautifully directed and the Goth girl starring in it is STUNNING! The story of a couple having VINTAGE fun is SO warming xoxo :-) xoxo