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.
Man-Shake
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man shake
I've got this nasty camera
One snap it stole my soul
One is the place to go
Now I never bothered
And now I've heard the drum track
You're just a basic enemy
Man shake
Man shake
I've told you out there, up there
A promise you can't see
You take your chance with me
Now we're passing strangers
Tried to re-arrange us
Who would shake your effigy
Man shake
Man shake
The song "Man Shake" by Culture Club can be interpreted in a few different ways, but one possible interpretation is that it's about feeling disconnected and disoriented in a world that's constantly changing and uncertain. The opening lines, "I've got this nasty camera / One snap it stole my soul," suggest that the singer feels like their identity has been taken away from them by an external force (in this case, a camera). This could be seen as a metaphor for how technology and media can sometimes make us feel dehumanized or disembodied.
The line "One is the place to go / Now I never bothered" could be interpreted as the singer feeling overwhelmed by all the options and choices in their life, and therefore choosing to withdraw from the world rather than engage with it. This could also tie into the idea of feeling like a "passing stranger" in the next verse. The singer seems to be struggling with finding a sense of belonging or connection, and may be questioning their own identity or sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
Man shake
Repetition of the phrase 'Man shake' as a call to action or a rallying cry.
I've got this nasty camera
Referring to a negative influence or distraction in the singer's life.
One snap it stole my soul
An allusion to the idea that photographs capture a part of a person's soul or essence, and a single photo can have a profound impact.
One is the place to go
A suggestion to focus on one thing or place, rather than being overwhelmed or too scattered to accomplish anything.
Now I never bothered
Implying a sense of detachment or disinterest in something that was once a concern or priority.
And now I've heard the drum track
A shift in focus or tone to a more upbeat or energetic mood, possibly inspired by music or other positive influences.
You're just a basic enemy
Addressing or dismissing a perceived opponent or detractor as ordinary or unremarkable.
I've told you out there, up there
Acknowledging a past attempt to communicate or connect with someone, possibly with an air of desperation or frustration.
A promise you can't see
Alluding to an unfulfilled or broken promise, or a sense of distrust or uncertainty in a relationship or situation.
You take your chance with me
An invitation or warning to take a risk or gamble on the artist or their ideas.
Now we're passing strangers
Describing a sense of distance or disconnection between the singer and someone else, possibly due to a recent change in circumstances or attitude.
Tried to re-arrange us
Suggesting an attempt was made to alter or improve a situation or relationship, with uncertain or unfavorable results.
Who would shake your effigy
Alluding to a symbolic or superstitious act of ridicule or destruction towards the singer or their reputation, possibly due to envy or spite.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MICHAEL CRAIG, ROY HAY, JON MOSS, GEORGE O'DOWD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind