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.
How D'ya Keep Your Credibility
Culture Club Lyrics
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Oh brother, it's not like the past
We're wearing stilettos and talking too fast
Passing the mirror hung up in pose
The boys they were fairest in immaculate clothes
Lunch with Janet Street Porter and Marilyn's nose
Into you and me, ah, what the hell we're gonna be?
Where will we go and what will we be?
If we can't communicate intelligently
There's a price on my head but I've never been free
I said, "'How d'ya keep your credibility?"
No more crying, no more trying
Please, no more dying
I just wanna be free
I'm taking the trouble right to your door
Why'd you do it, you bastard? Don't love you no more
Sinners beside me, saints on the right
And if you slow down, you'll be a turkey tonight
c'mon let's go a little further, don't be uptight
If you feel insecure, well, just turn off the light
Where will we go and what will we be?
If we can't communicate intelligently
There's a price on my head but I've never been free
I said, "'How d'ya keep your credibility?"
I said, "'How d'ya keep your credibility?"
The song "How D'Ya Keep Your Credibility?" by Culture Club is an introspective song that looks at the changing landscape of society. The opening line of the song pays homage to Marilyn Monroe, an icon in the drag queen community. The song then shifts its focus to the present day, where people are dressed in stilettos and talking too fast. The song laments the passing of time and how life changes, leaving behind the past for the future.
The lyrics then dive deeper into our personal lives and aspirations. What will we be? Where will we go? The song recognizes that communication is key to moving forward, and without it, we won't be able to achieve anything worthwhile. The lyrics highlight the importance of credibility, and how it is essential to keep it, even in a changing world.
The song ends on a hopeful note, with a plea for no more crying, trying or dying. The chorus repeats, asking the question, "'How d'ya keep your credibility?" a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining our honor and integrity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, this song is for Marilyn and every drag queen
This song is dedicated to the drag queen community, which includes Marilyn as one of its members.
Oh brother, it's not like the past
Things have changed and the past is not relevant anymore.
We're wearing stilettos and talking too fast
We are embracing a new culture that involves fashion choices like wearing stilettos and talking quickly.
Passing the mirror hung up in pose
We are admiring our reflections in the mirror while posing.
The boys they were fairest in immaculate clothes
The boys looked good in their perfectly clean and pressed outfits.
Lunch with Janet Street Porter and Marilyn's nose
We are having lunch with Janet Street Porter and are admiring Marilyn's nose.
But this life is a baby, so sad when it grows
Our current lifestyle may seem fun and exciting but it will eventually become tedious and unfulfilling.
Into you and me, ah, what the hell we're gonna be?
We don't know what the future has in store for us.
Where will we go and what will we be?
We still don't know what the future holds for us.
If we can't communicate intelligently
If we can't communicate effectively and intelligently, we won't be able to thrive in society.
There's a price on my head but I've never been free
Even though I may have a reputation to uphold, I still don't feel free.
I said, "'How d'ya keep your credibility?"
I am asking how one can maintain their credibility, especially in a society that values image and reputation.
No more crying, no more trying
I don't want to cry or try anymore.
Please, no more dying
I don't want to experience any more deaths or losses.
I just wanna be free
All I want is to experience true freedom and happiness.
I'm taking the trouble right to your door
I am confronting you directly about the issues at hand.
Why'd you do it, you bastard? Don't love you no more
I am questioning your motives and expressing my lack of love for you.
Sinners beside me, saints on the right
There are both sinners and saints surrounding me.
And if you slow down, you'll be a turkey tonight
If you slow down, you'll be taken advantage of or ridiculed.
c'mon let's go a little further, don't be uptight
Let's take things further and not be so uptight or guarded.
If you feel insecure, well, just turn off the light
If you're feeling insecure, try to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GEORGE O'DOWD, JOHN THEMISTOCLEOUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind