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.
Generations of Love
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's too many people fighting, tied to the wheel
I don't know much but I know what i see
There's too many people crying washed out to sea
And there's much more we can say
And there's much more we can do
And there's much more we can learn
I don't know you but you know what I am
Hey I don't need redemption or no government plan
No big AIDS sensation no 28 clause
The end of aparteid no message of war
The jew and the gentile, the black and the gay
The lost and the futile, they've all got something to say
The african nation, the sword of Islam
The rebels in china, the sikhs and the tams
The house of our father, the volumes of guilt
The luck of the Irish,the blood that we've spilt
The angels and martyrs, the lovers and saints
The sisters of mercy, the brothers of pain
Culture Club’s song, Generations of Love, is a song that speaks about unity and generational love. The opening lyrics state, “I don't know much but I know what I feel, there's too many people fighting, tied to the wheel.” Boy George's melancholic voice reflects sadness for the troubles that he sees in the world. He sees too many people struggling and fighting, and it makes him upset. The lyrics are contemplative, and one can sense the deep emotions behind them. The chorus refers to the idea that more can be done, more can be learned, and more can be said to create generational love.
The bridge of the song talks about the unity of different groups. “The jew and the gentile, the black and the gay, the lost and the futile, they've all got something to say.” It is a song that encourages unity at a time when division is often seen amongst groups. It speaks about different races and religions, and the message is simple that despite our differences, we all share things that unite us. Overall, the song aims to inspire hope and positivity, and the message is still relevant today.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know much but I know what I feel
Though I may not have much knowledge, I do understand my thoughts and emotions
There's too many people fighting, tied to the wheel
So many people engaged in conflicts, their lives seem to revolve around it
I don't know much but I know what i see
I don't have great knowledge, but my eyes work fine and I can see the world
There's too many people crying washed out to sea
So many people are weeping and suffering, some of them are drowning metaphorically
And there's much more we can say
There's a lot more that can be talked about and we need to bring those topics up
And there's much more we can do
We can put in a lot more effort to bring in a change for the better
And there's much more we can learn
We can always learn more, and expand our knowledge
Generations of love
All these actions are steps towards generations of love and compassion
I don't know you but you know what I am
While I'm unaware of who you are, you may have a better understanding of me
Hey I don't need redemption or no government plan
I don't need any sort of saving or systematic strategies to improve my life
No big AIDS sensation no 28 clause
No need for a moment of realization or particular event for this change to occur
The end of aparteid no message of war
This change doesn't necessarily require a dramatic end of a political institution or any violent means
The jew and the gentile, the black and the gay
People from all backgrounds like Jews, gentiles, black people, and those from the LGBTQ+ community have important contributions to society
The lost and the futile, they've all got something to say
Even the individuals who have no sense of direction and hope in life have opinions and messages
The african nation, the sword of Islam
Major groups like the African nations and the Islamic community must also have a voice
The rebels in china, the sikhs and the tams
Minority groups like rebels in China and the Sikhs and Tams must also be heard and respected
The house of our father, the volumes of guilt
We must also acknowledge and contemplate the mistakes of our predecessors
The luck of the Irish,the blood that we've spilt
We must also recognize the fortunate and unfavorable events in history
The angels and martyrs, the lovers and saints
All individuals like the devoted saints and lovers, the powerful martyrs and angels all have significant roles to play
The sisters of mercy, the brothers of pain
Even people who bring kindness and comfort like the sisters of mercy and people who feel extreme agony like the brothers of pain must be given attention
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CARON GEARY, GEORGE O'DOWD, SIMON ALAN ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Purcell
Lyrics:
I don't know much but I know what I feel
There's too many people fighting, tied to the wheel
I don't know much but I know what i see
There's too many people crying washed out to sea
And there's much more we can say
And there's much more we can do
And there's much more we can learn
Generations of love
I don't know you but you know what I am
Hey I don't need redemption or no government plan
No big AIDS sensation no 28 clause
The end of aparteid no message of war
The jew and the gentile, the black and the gay
The lost and the futile, they've all got something to say
The african nation, the sword of Islam
The rebels in china, the sikhs and the tams
The house of our father, the volumes of guilt
The luck of the Irish, the blood that we've spilt
The angels and martyrs, the lovers and saints
The sisters of mercy, the brothers of pain
David Bishop
This is a masterpiece. I never understood why Georges solo work was overlooked by the mainstream . He is a talented songwriter and vocalist x
MA2015 Amer
Due to his personal issues unfortunately
James Reid
Being gay wasn’t something you shouted about back then.
Steven Bagner
the error was use a jesus loves name band, many people never know that this new band was a boy george project, that's why in so many countries the album is released as a boy george and keep jesus loves you name as fas as they can. by the way i hate jesus.
oxa5
30 years later and it sounds as good as I heard it the first time . Love u Boy .
Elisabeth Sauer
Definitely one of the best songs of the 90s!!
Lef Ch
yes love it!
Mr.Propper
I DO agree
Mr.Propper
forgotten song
Jonko Jones
But the best is def dames dope: aint nothing to it