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.
don't cry
Culture Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you like it that way
Then you say you're lonely
Well that's the price you pay
And I don't think I love you
That's the cruellest game we play
But I love you that way
You're a perfect lover
Why don't you stay?
You're a perfect lover
Ain't it always that way?
You feel a little twisted
You feel a little pain
You feel a little hateful
Don't worry, you'll feel that way again
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
You say that you're not beautiful
But you are in my eyes
You say my love's too heavy
Well that comes as no surprise
You're a perfect lover
Why don't you stay?
You're a perfect lover
Ain't it always that way?
You feel a little twisted
And you feel a little pain
You feel a little hateful
Don't worry, you'll fall in love again
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
It's already over
There's nothing to say
It's already over
But you need love to show you your way
Don't cry for me
Don't you cry
Don't cry, don't cry for me
You're the perfect lover
Why don't you stay?
You're the perfect lover
Ain't it always that way?
You feel a little pain
Don't worry, you'll fall in love again
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
The lyrics to Culture Club's song Don't Cry reflect on how misunderstood people can be when it comes to relationships. The song is about a person who is flawed and unpredictable, but still, they are loved by someone else. The message in this song is that love is not easy and it comes with consequences.
The first verse of the song focuses on how the person is misunderstood but they prefer it that way; they like the idea of being an enigma. However, they are also lonely and the singer tells them that's the price they pay for their chosen path. The singer then confesses that they don't think they love this person, but they love them 'that way'. Love is never straight forward, and sometimes it is not even real, but it can still have an impact on our emotions nonetheless.
The chorus tells the person not to cry, but then repeats the phrase "cry for me" which is intriguing because it suggests that they want the person to experience both happiness and sadness because it's essential for life. The song ends with the singer saying that it's over, but the person still needs love to show them the way. Love and relationships are not perfect, but they are necessary to show us the way.
Line by Line Meaning
You say that you're misunderstood
You think that no one understands you
But you like it that way
But you enjoy being misunderstood
Then you say you're lonely
Now you say that you feel alone
Well that's the price you pay
That feeling of loneliness is the cost of living the way you do
And I don't think I love you
I'm not sure if I love you
That's the cruellest game we play
That's the harshest truth about love and relationships
But I love you that way
But I still have this deep affection for you
You're a perfect lover
You're a great partner
Why don't you stay?
Why can't you just stay with me?
Ain't it always that way?
Isn't it always like this, where the perfect person just never stays?
You feel a little twisted
You're feeling a little confused
You feel a little pain
You're hurting a little bit
You feel a little hateful
You're feeling some anger and frustration
Don't worry, you'll feel that way again
Don't fret, you'll feel those emotions again sometime in the future
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
You can cry if you want to, but don't waste your tears on me
You say that you're not beautiful
You don't believe that you're attractive
But you are in my eyes
But to me, you're beautiful
You say my love's too heavy
You think my love for you is too much to handle
Well that comes as no surprise
I'm not shocked by your reaction, I expected it
It's already over
Our relationship is already finished
There's nothing to say
There's really nothing left to talk about
But you need love to show you your way
But you still need love to find your path in life
Don't cry for me
Don't cry on my behalf
You're the perfect lover
You are the ideal partner
You feel a little pain
You're feeling some discomfort
Don't worry, you'll fall in love again
Don't fret, you'll find love again in the future
Cry, don't cry, don't cry for me
You can cry if you want to, but don't waste your tears on me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOBBY Z, GEORGE O'DOWD, IAN MAIDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TuxyKat
Love George. I'm an older 80's woman. I love the deeper voice in this song. I've been " Boy George- ing" it for awhile here this eve. Falling in love all over again. Great memories. Back in '83-84 NEW Years Eve....I was newly separated and alone/ sad, with my almost 2 yrs old baby boy. I watched you on TV and it helped so much.💖 Baby in arms asleep. I watched that tonight also. What a great voice, great look. Great personality. And you've always found a spot on TV - because people love you so much. Thank-you with my whole heart all the wonderful music. I really love your voice. Very unique, special. 💋💜
@user-in2uh2ss9c
Hermoso tema ❤ desde que lo escuche es mi favorito🌈🌈
@rogerbarrett1979
As a solo artist, Boy George is so underrated.
@patricklee6066
One of his best vocals,this song didnt get the airplay it deserved,and shouldve been a bigger hit.Good video.
@yatgrave1120
Look at that precious face! 😭
@ivyvines6708
Love this song. George has the most beautiful eyes on the planet. ;-) ;-) ;-)
@lessismore8533
He was so cute/hot in the 80s❤. Wish I was around then
@irnegreen5579
Yes🥰
@serpentinefire77
Lead Vocal: Boy George
Drums: Bobby Z
Bass: Ian Maidman
Guitar: Glen Nightingale
Keyboards: Vic Martin & Ian Maidman
Background Vocals: Carroll Thompson, Derek Green & Glen Nightingale
@lchristoffer
I love that this video has used an older woman in it - we are “in love” too! Love his deeper voice in this one (although I love B-G anyway)