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.
What Do You Want
Culture Club Lyrics
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Pretty faces perfect hair make 'I see you' when
You float into my vision once again, yeah
Promises are in your eyes, never to return
Inside your love I'm bound to burn
Now you don't understand the rivers and the seas are turning
Now it's out of my hands and I won't be a fool for learning
I give you everything you need
Twisted security
I give you everything you need
What do you want
Pretty faces break your heart words that turn to dust
I need to love and you I trust
Waiting for the wheel to turn shall I waste my life
A key to hold to paradise
Now you don't understand the rivers and the seas are turning
Now it's out of my hands and I won't be a fool for learning
What do you want from me
I give you everything you need
Twisted security
I give you everything you need
What do you want from me
I give you everything you need
Twisted security
I give you everything you need
Love a we, a love a we, love a we, I love ya
Love a we, a love a we, love a we, I need ya
Now you don't understand the rivers and the seas are turning
Now it's out of my hands but I won't be a fool for learning
What do you want from me
I give you everything you need
Twisted security
I give you everything you need
What do you want from me
I give you everything you need
Twisted security
I give you everything you need
The lyrics to Culture Club's song "What Do You Want" explore a complicated relationship that is built on trust and the desire for security. The singer is drawn to this person with "pretty faces perfect hair" and "promises in [their] eyes," but they also acknowledge that this person has the power to break their heart with "words that turn to dust." Despite these warning signs, the singer is willing to give everything to this person in the hopes of finding true love.
The chorus of the song specifically asks, "What do you want from me?" The singer is willing to provide "everything you need" including "twisted security," but they are still unsure if that will be enough. The repetition of this question throughout the song suggests a frustration on the part of the singer, who is unsure what it will take to make this relationship work. The song also touches on the cyclical nature of relationships, with the singer waiting for the "wheel to turn."
Overall, the lyrics to "What Do You Want" paint a picture of a complicated and tumultuous relationship where the possibility of true love is overshadowed by uncertainty and a search for security.
Line by Line Meaning
Right there it is!
You are in front of me right now.
Pretty faces perfect hair make 'I see you' when You float into my vision once again, yeah
Your good looks catch my attention every time I see you.
Promises are in your eyes, never to return
You are insincere and will never fulfill your promises.
Inside your love I'm bound to burn
Your love will hurt and consume me.
Now you don't understand the rivers and the seas are turning
You are oblivious to the changing times and circumstances.
Now it's out of my hands and I won't be a fool for learning
I have no control over this situation and I won't make the same mistake again.
What do you want from me
What is the purpose of your actions towards me?
I give you everything you need
I provide you with all that you require.
Twisted security
An unhealthy sense of safety and comfort in a relationship.
Pretty faces break your heart words that turn to dust
Your beauty hides your deceitful words that bring heartbreak.
I need to love and you I trust
I crave love and trust you, despite your faults.
Waiting for the wheel to turn shall I waste my life
Should I wait for a change or move on with my life?
A key to hold to paradise
Love is the key to happiness.
Love a we, a love a we, love a we, I love ya
We are in love with each other.
Love a we, a love a we, love a we, I need ya
Our love is necessary for my well-being.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GEORGE ALAN O'DOWD, RICHARD WILLIAM STEVENS, JOHN THEMISTOCLEOUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind