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.
Mannequin
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You designed him
Nothing will stand in your way
A punch in the heart
Won't tear him apart
Neither will the things they say
'Cause he's a beggar, lover, believer
He's the mannequin of your dreams
Step inside him
Look at the world his way
Laughter is loud
From the fool in the crowd
You'll crack his smile one day
Every dream must follow where we go
Don't let them shatter your ego
Mannequin, lover mannequin, lover mannequin [Repeat: x2]
I gave you every bit of my time
You lied and you committed a crime
To present my feelings
With shallow meanings
How could you tear me apart?
He's the mannequin of your dreams
You denied him
Laughter and political sway
People are sweet
But the primitive beat
Is always getting in my way
I can give you nothing but me though
It isn't what you want to see
[Repeat: x3]
Oh Mannequin, lover mannequin
My lover mannequin, whoa
The song "Mannequin" by Culture Club tells a story of a person who falls in love with a mannequin that they have designed. The lyrics describe the mannequin as the mannequin of their dreams, implying that this person has created the perfect partner for themselves. The phrase "a punch in the heart won't tear him apart" suggests that the person has created a partner who is strong and resilient.
The chorus, which repeats the phrase "he's the mannequin of your dreams," followed by "you designed him," implies that the person has created this mannequin from their own desires and wishes, rather than finding a real-life partner. The lyrics "laughter is loud from the fool in the crowd, you'll crack his smile one day," suggest that the mannequin is capable of emotions, and that the person believes that they will eventually be able to make this mannequin happy.
However, the following verse talks about the person's disappointment in the mannequin, accusing it of lying and committing a crime. The final verse implies that the person is aware that they cannot give the mannequin what it wants, and that they are constantly being hindered by the "primitive beat" of the world around them.
Overall, the song seems to be about the dangers of creating unrealistic expectations and living in a fantasy world. The person has created a perfect partner for themselves, but they are ultimately left disappointed and disillusioned by this perfect creation.
Line by Line Meaning
He's the mannequin of your dreams
The person being described is the perfect embodiment of your ideal partner, one that you envisioned.
You designed him
You created this ideal partner yourself, either consciously or subconsciously, through your own desires, hopes, and expectations.
Nothing will stand in your way
You feel certain that you will overcome any obstacle and get what you want, even if it means disregarding others' feelings or opinions.
A punch in the heart
Even though you may try to hurt this person emotionally, he remains stoic and resilient to your attacks.
Won't tear him apart
This person is strong, both physically and emotionally, and can withstand even the worst attacks without falling apart.
Neither will the things they say
Others' criticisms or judgments of this person will not affect your feelings towards him, since you have strong convictions about your relationship.
'Cause he's a beggar, lover, believer
This person is humbly devoted to his passions and beliefs, and he does not need material wealth or status to achieve happiness.
You are just an innocent reader
You are merely observing this person from a distance, without fully understanding his thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Step inside him
If you truly want to understand and empathize with this person, you must try to see the world from his perspective, his challenges, and his aspirations.
Look at the world his way
By doing so, you may discover some insights, beauty, and surprises that you might have missed if you only saw the world from your own narrow perspective.
Laughter is loud
Despite being ridiculed or mocked, this person is not afraid to express his joy, humor, and enthusiasm for life.
From the fool in the crowd
Even though some people may consider him foolish or naive, he does not let their opinions define his self-worth or identity.
You'll crack his smile one day
Through your growing intimacy and mutual understanding, you may eventually learn how to make this person smile, let his guard down, and reveal his true self.
Every dream must follow where we go
If you want to achieve your dreams, you need to be willing to take risks, make sacrifices, and face uncertainty, otherwise they will remain mere fantasies.
Don't let them shatter your ego
Be confident, assertive, and resilient even in the face of rejection, failure, or criticism, since they do not define your worth or potential.
You lied and you committed a crime
This person has betrayed your trust, either by deceiving you or by violating your values or boundaries in some significant way.
To present my feelings
You gave this person your love, vulnerability, and trust, but he did not reciprocate them with equal depth or honesty.
With shallow meanings
This person did not appreciate or understand the true value and significance of your feelings, and treated them superficially or carelessly.
How could you tear me apart?
This person's actions have caused you pain, sadness, and disorientation, and you are struggling to cope with their effects on your emotional well-being.
You denied him
You have rejected or abandoned this person, either by breaking up with him, cutting him off, or simply ignoring him.
Laughter and political sway
You have been seduced by superficial pleasures, arrogant attitudes, or elitist circles that do not reflect your true values or priorities.
People are sweet
Even though others may seem kind, charming, or supportive, they may also have hidden agendas, prejudices, or flaws that can harm you in the long run.
But the primitive beat
You are drawn to primal instincts, raw emotions, or basic desires that contradict your conscious beliefs or moral standards.
Is always getting in my way
You are struggling to reconcile your inner conflicts, fears, and insecurities with your external goals, relations, and responsibilities.
I can give you nothing but me though
Despite your imperfections, weaknesses, and struggles, you are willing to be your true self, honest and vulnerable, and offer your sincere love and commitment.
It isn't what you want to see
However, this person may not appreciate, accept, or reciprocate your true self, and may prefer to see you as a mere object, a reflection of his own ideals and desires.
Oh Mannequin, lover mannequin
You remain fixated on your ideal image of this person, even though he may not exist in reality or may have changed beyond recognition.
My lover mannequin, whoa
You continue to invest your emotions, time, and energy in this person, hoping that he will come back to you or respond to your calls.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GEORGE O'DOWD, JON MOSS, MICHAEL CRAIG, ROY HAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind