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.
Lions Roar
Culture Club Lyrics
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You're nasty
Everyone said you are the don
Hold up your head like the innocent one
Threaten my life, tell me my time will come
Babylon boy with the honey and gold
Robbing the black men, stories of old
Why tell the truth? I cannot be
I am the light that you never see
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Gimme truth and understanding
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
The voice in your head said I am a thief
You stand on the land and you lie through your teeth
Babylon boy with the honey and gold
Robbing the black men, stories of old
Why tell them truth? I cannot be
I am the light that you never see
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Gimme truth and understanding
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Gimme truth and understanding
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Gimme truth and understanding
You're nasty
I know you want to see me dead
You come on upon my head
I know you want to see me dead
You come on upon my head
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Gimme truth and understanding
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
Gimme truth and understanding
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
The lyrics to "Lions Roar" by Culture Club convey a strong message about the corruption and deceit that exists in society, particularly within the context of Babylon, a metaphor for a powerful and oppressive system. The song presents a critique of those who hold power and exploit others for personal gain, symbolized by the "Babylon boy with the honey and gold" who robs and manipulates "the black men, stories of old."
The lyrics highlight the hypocrisy of this Babylon figure, who is both respected and rejected by society. Despite his influential position, he is described as "nasty" and his actions are seen as morally corrupt. The lyrics encourage the listener to stand up against this oppressive force, urging them to hold their head high and remain resilient in the face of threats and oppression.
The repeated plea for "truth and understanding" underscores the desire for transparency and authenticity in a world often dominated by lies and deceit. This desire for truth is further emphasized by the line "Why tell the truth? I cannot be; I am the light that you never see." Here, the singer suggests that the Babylon figure's power stems from his ability to manipulate and keep others in the dark, denying them the opportunity to see the truth.
The final section of the song echoes the earlier message, with the repetition of the line "Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar, gimme truth and understanding." This statement reinforces the call for honesty and clarity, highlighting the longing for a society that rejects oppression and embraces truth. The song ends with the line "You come on upon my head," emphasizing the singer's awareness of the potential danger posed by those in power who wish to silence opposing voices.
In summary, "Lions Roar" is a song that criticizes the corrupt and deceitful elements within society, urging listeners to seek truth and understanding. It challenges the status quo and encourages individuals to resist oppression and stand up against those who abuse their power. Ultimately, the lyrics express a longing for a more authentic and just world.
Line by Line Meaning
Dirty Babylon
Referring to a corrupt, oppressive society or government
You're nasty
You are morally corrupt or malicious
Everyone said you are the don
You are regarded as a powerful figure or leader
Respected, rejected, down trodden and stunned
Despite being respected, you have faced rejection and have been oppressed, leaving you shocked
Hold up your head like the innocent one
Pretending to be innocent or blameless
Threaten my life, tell me my time will come
You intimidate and warn me that harm will come to me
Babylon boy with the honey and gold
A person from a deceitful society who has acquired wealth and power
Robbing the black men, stories of old
Exploiting and stealing from marginalized groups, while ignoring their history
Why tell the truth? I cannot be
Why bother being honest when deception is more advantageous?
I am the light that you never see
I possess qualities and virtues that you fail to recognize
Oh, nothing more than the lion's roar
A plea for authenticity and sincerity
Gimme truth and understanding
I desire honesty and comprehension
The voice in your head said I am a thief
Your conscience tells you that I am a dishonest person
You stand on the land and you lie through your teeth
You manipulate and deceive others while claiming authority
I know you want to see me dead
You harbor a desire to witness my demise
You come on upon my head
You aggressively try to harm or control me
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GEORGE ALAN O'DOWD, JOHN THEMISTOCLEOUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind