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.
Strange Voodoo
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I don't even help myself
I'm useless now as I have always been
Just like some worthless love song dying on the radio
We talk in circles til we don't know what we mean
Ain't No happy ever after
No big dark man
Ain't no perfect situation
Loving you is some strange voodoo
Loving you is some strange voodoo
How can I love you boy
When you don't even love yourself
I'm useless now as I have always been
Your lying eyes
Your thieving hands
You're such a rogue at times
But you will always be a part of me
No happy ever after
No big dark man
Ain't no perfect situation
Ain't no master plan
Loving you is some strange voodoo
Loving you is some strange voodoo
Ain't no happy ever after
No big dark man
Ain't no perfect situation
Can't you understand
Loving you is some strange voodoo
Loving you is some strange voodoo
Loving you I keep loving you yes I do
The lyrics of Culture Club's song "Strange Voodoo" explore the frustration and confusion that arise from trying to love someone who doesn't love themselves. The singer acknowledges that they are unable to help the person they love, as they also struggle with their own issues. The metaphor of a "worthless love song dying on the radio" highlights the sense of hopelessness and despair in the situation. The two talk in circles and can't seem to communicate effectively or find a solution. The line "loving you is some strange voodoo" captures the mysterious and inexplicable nature of their relationship. Despite the absence of a "happy ever after" or a "perfect situation," the singer remains attached to this person, acknowledging that they will always be a part of them.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I help you boy
The singer is uncertain how to assist the individual in question.
When I don't even help myself
The singer recognizes their inability to even help themselves, let alone someone else.
I'm useless now as I have always been
The singer feels they have always been unproductive and without purpose.
Just like some worthless love song dying on the radio
The artist feels their existence is as meaningless as a romantic song that has faded into obscurity.
We talk in circles til we don't know what we mean
The artist and the subject engage in fruitless, circular discourse, unsure of what they're really saying.
Ain't No happy ever after
The singer dismisses the notion of a perfect, fairy-tale ending.
No big dark man
The singer denies the existence of a powerful, malevolent figure who controls one's fate.
Ain't no perfect situation
The artist acknowledges the absence of an ideal state of affairs.
Can't you understand
The artist implores the individual to comprehend their perspective.
Loving you is some strange voodoo
The artist perceives their love for the subject as something inexplicable and magical.
How can I love you boy
The singer is uncertain how to feel for the individual.
When you don't even love yourself
The artist observes that the subject is incapable of self-love.
Your lying eyes
The singer suggests that the subject's gaze is insincere or deceitful.
Your thieving hands
The singer accuses the subject of being a thief or stealing from them in some way.
You're such a rogue at times
The singer notes the subject's tendency to behave recklessly or unpredictably.
But you will always be a part of me
The artist acknowledges the subject's significance and influence in their life, despite their flaws.
Ain't no master plan
The artist expresses their belief that there is no predetermined or organized course of events.
Loving you I keep loving you yes I do
The singer affirms their continued affection for the subject, regardless of the difficulties they face.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, BMG Rights Management
Written by: GEORGE ALAN O'DOWD, RICHARD WILLIAM STEVENS, JOHN THEMISTOCLEOUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind