Their first album, 1982's Kissing to Be Clever, became a major international hit, spawning the hit singles "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" (which went 'all the way' in the BBC-Charts in late 1982), "Time (Clock of the Heart)", and "I'll Tumble 4 Ya". Unique in his eccentric manner of dress and androgynous look, Boy George became a worldwide celebrity.
Their second album, 1983's Colour By Numbers also did extremely well, giving the band its second number one hit in the UK with "Karma Chameleon." Karma Chameleon reached No.1 in many countries and they even starred in UK's Top of the Pops in September 1983. However, trouble was brewing within the Culture Club camp. Unknown to the public, George was having an affair with drummer Jon Moss. The affair (which lasted over four years) was often problematic and the pressure to hide the relationship started to take its toll.
The band also started to lose its place musically. Their next album, 1984's Waking Up With the House on Fire was a major disappointment. Though the band gained a small comeback with 1986's From Luxury to Heartache (thanks to the hit "Move Away"), both George's and Jon's fights created much tension, eventually leading to the breakup of the band. Around this time, George also became addicted to heroin, which created a frenzy with the tabloids. Eventually, George would let go of the habit and begin his solo career. A minor hit from the "Hiding Out" soundtrack called "Live My Life" peaked at U.S. #40. While George scored several hits in Europe and finally hit the U.S. top 20 with 1992's "The Crying Game", he was never able to reach the success he achieved with Culture Club.
In 1998, the band put their problems aside and decided to do a reunion tour. Kicked off with a performance on VH1 Storytellers, the tour was a major success. Shortly after, Culture Club recorded a new album titled Don't Mind If I Do. Though never released in the U.S., the first single, "I Just Wanna Be Loved" (UK #4), was featured on a compilation based around the Storytellers performance.
The band went on to tour for a few more years. Recently, however, Culture Club has been inactive, largely due to Boy George's concentration on his successful career as a DJ. In late 2006, Culture Club announced a reunion - albeit, without Boy George as lead singer.
Do You Really Want 2 Hurt Me
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me love and steal
I have danced inside your eyes
How can I be real
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Precious kisses words that burn me
In my heart the fire is burning
Choose my color find a star
Precious people always tell me
That's a step a step too far
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Words are few
I have spoken
I could waste a thousand years
Wrapped in sorrow, words are token
Come inside and catch my tears
You've been talking but believe me
If it's true you do not know
This boy loves without a reason
I'm prepared to let you go
If it's love you want from me
Then take it away
Everything's not what you see it's over again
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
The lyrics of Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" express the plea of the singer to be given a chance to love and to be loved in return. The song starts with the singer asking for time to realize his mistake and to be given the opportunity to love and steal. He confesses that he has danced inside the eyes of the person he loves, yet he questions his own reality. He then proceeds to ask the question, "Do you really want to hurt me? Do you really want to make me cry?" implying that the person's actions might lead to him feeling broken and in pain.
The chorus of the song is repeated several times to emphasize the singer's vulnerability and the desperation to be accepted for who he is. He also alludes to the fact that the precious kisses and words of the person he loves have the potential to cause pain. The lyrics indicate a sense of longing and confusion on the part of the singer, as he expresses his desire to be with the person he loves and to have his love reciprocated.
Overall, the lyrics of the song are about the universal need for love and the pain that can come with rejection. The lyrics are relatable, and the melancholic melody and Boy George's soulful voice add to the emotional intensity of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Give me time to realize my crime
I need time to understand my mistake
Let me love and steal
Allow me to experience love and take risks with it
I have danced inside your eyes
I have lost myself in your gaze and emotions
How can I be real
I am questioning my authenticity and identity
Do you really want to hurt me
Are you intentionally trying to harm me?
Do you really want to make me cry
Are you trying to cause me emotional pain?
Precious kisses words that burn me
Your words of affection feel like they're causing me pain
Lovers never ask you why
Sometimes, love defies explanation or logic
In my heart the fire is burning
I am filled with intense emotion
Choose my color find a star
I am open to whatever journey or destiny awaits me
Precious people always tell me
Those closest to me often give advice or warning
That's a step a step too far
Taking a certain action might be too dangerous or unwise
Words are few
I struggle to express myself verbally
I have spoken
I have conveyed what I need to say
I could waste a thousand years
I could spend a long time feeling sorrow or regret
Wrapped in sorrow, words are token
My grief is all-consuming, and words can't fully convey it
Come inside and catch my tears
I am asking for comfort and support
You've been talking but believe me
Despite your words, listen to my feelings
If it's true you do not know
You may not fully understand my love
This boy loves without a reason
I love with no agenda or explanation
I'm prepared to let you go
I understand that letting go might be necessary
If it's love you want from me
If you truly want my love in return
Then take it away
Then accept it fully and be committed
Everything's not what you see it's over again
Things might not be as they appear; the situation might repeat itself
Do you really want to hurt me
Are you intentionally trying to harm me?
Do you really want to make me cry
Are you trying to cause me emotional pain?
Do you really want to hurt me
Are you intentionally trying to harm me?
Do you really want to make me cry
Are you trying to cause me emotional pain?
Do you really want to hurt me
Are you intentionally trying to harm me?
Do you really want to make me cry
Are you trying to cause me emotional pain?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MICHAEL CRAIG, ROY HAY, JON MOSS, GEORGE O'DOWD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kenf3299
The man could sing.. no one will ever take that away from him.
@hakunamatata6864
The man
couldcan sing...@cathyc5108
in a way.... they did just that!
@zaravictoriawalker6461
He was dancing in background when the Jets were on top of the tops ❤❤
@janusconner3710
Agreed.👍
@jessygoofball4736
I remember when I bought this album as a kid, I played it so much that my sister said, "Yes, I really DO want to hurt you!" ☺
@alexpineda6294
Lollllll that was a really good one you sent it out of the stadium
@naynayelliott8323
LOL
@carlosjaras9640
Lol......
@Maya-ju4ex
Lmao, luv your sis!