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.
The Medal Song
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sun go east, sun go west
You used to say love and be loved all the time
'Til you discovered feelings were a failure sign
When it rains, it rains so hard
The tears begin to show
Now it's raining in my heart
Life will never be the same as it was again
Life will never be the same as it was again
Through my anger and my joy, my tears and pain
Life will never be the same as it was again
Beneath the sea of Hollywood where Frances used to reign
They trade their deepest wishes for a part in someone's game
Spirits die alone at night
For life they cannot hold
I would rather dance with you
Than have a medal to show
Life will never be the same as it was again
Life will never be the same as it was again
Through my anger and my joy, my tears and pain
Life will never be the same as it was again
Sun go east, sun go west
Will I wear a medal again
Sun go east, sun go west
We can dance and bring on the rain
Now I say love for love, not a space in time
The strangest things can shatter kings and take away what's mine
When it's raining in my heart
I want the world to know
I would rather dance with you
Than have a medal to show
Life will never be the same as it was again
Life will never be the same as it was again
Through my anger and my joy, my tears and pain
Life will never be the same as it was again
We are just everyday people, not a theatre company
Everyone wants to join us, there's no fear in us you see
It's me for you and you for me
Sun go east, sun go west
Will I wear a medal again
Sun go east, sun go west
We can dance and bring on the rain
The lyrics to Culture Club's song The Medal Song describe a journey towards self-discovery and a realization that material possessions and achievements are not as important as human connection and personal experiences. The lyrics mention the sun going east and west, symbolizing the passage of time and the changes that come with it. The first verse speaks to a past where the person believed in the concept of love, but eventually discovered that it often leads to disappointment and heartache. The chorus repeats the line "Life will never be the same as it was again," emphasizing the idea that change can be difficult but also necessary for growth.
The second verse alludes to the entertainment industry in Hollywood and the sacrifices that people make in order to become famous. The songwriter expresses a preference for genuine connection and intimacy over superficial achievements. The bridge states that the members of Culture Club are just regular people and that anyone can join them. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the lyrics "We can dance and bring on the rain," suggesting that there is joy to be found even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Sun go east, sun go west
A reminder of the cyclical nature of life, that things may change but ultimately the sun will rise and set again.
You used to say love and be loved all the time
In the past, you professed a desire for love and companionship constantly.
'Til you discovered feelings were a failure sign
However, you came to believe that expressing emotions and forming attachments would only lead to disappointment and pain.
When it rains, it rains so hard
During difficult times, the hardships come down heavy and can weigh on someone greatly.
The tears begin to show
At these times of darkness, sadness and despair can take hold and bring tears to your eyes.
Now it's raining in my heart
The singer is feeling a deep sadness and pain in their heart, similar to the hard rain outside
I want the world to know
The singer has a need to express their feelings and longing to the world
Life will never be the same as it was again
The events that have happened have changed the artist's life irreversibly.
Through my anger and my joy, my tears and pain
Despite all of the emotional ups and downs they've experienced, the artist has come to accept that life will never be the same again.
Beneath the sea of Hollywood where Frances used to reign
The artist references Hollywood where many people come seeking fame and fortune, and alludes to the life of Frances Farmer, an actress who suffered mental illness.
They trade their deepest wishes for a part in someone's game
People in Hollywood are willing to do anything to get ahead and be a part of the entertainment industry, even if it means giving up their personal desires.
Spirits die alone at night
Those who have given up themselves and their dreams for the sake of fame or fortune may feel empty and unfulfilled at night, when they're alone with their thoughts.
For life they cannot hold
Despite their best efforts to achieve their goals, they may find that the life they've chosen is not what they expected and they are unable to maintain it.
I would rather dance with you than have a medal to show
The singer would rather share a moment of connection and joy with someone they care about than gain material success or recognition.
Now I say love for love, not a space in time
The singer has come to realize that love is not something that can be sought out at any specific moment in time, but is instead a continuous journey.
The strangest things can shatter kings and take away what's mine
Even those who are in positions of great power and privilege can have everything taken away from them by unexpected events.
We are just everyday people, not a theatre company
The artist emphasizes that they and the people around them are not performers putting on a show, but are simply average human beings.
Everyone wants to join us, there's no fear in us you see
Others look up to the singer and their companions, as they are not afraid of putting themselves out there and being authentic.
It's me for you and you for me
The singer is expressing their love and loyalty to someone else, and emphasizing that they are there for each other.
Will I wear a medal again
The artist is unsure of whether they will achieve great success or recognition again in the future.
We can dance and bring on the rain
Despite the hardships and uncertainty of life, the artist and their loved ones can still find joy and revel in the present moment.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE ALAN O'DOWD, JONATHAN AUBREY MOSS, MICHAEL EMILE CRAIG, ROY ERNEST HAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind