Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
Taboo - Original London Cast Lyrics

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BOY GEORGE

Give me time
To realise my crime
Let me love and steal
I have danced
Inside your eyes
How can I be real?

Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Precious kisses, words that burn me
Lovers never ask you why
In my heart the fire's burning
Choose my colour, find a star
Precious people always tell me
That's a step, a step too far
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Words are few I have spoken
I could waste a thousand years
Wrapped in sorrow, words are token
Come inside and catch my tears
You've been talking but believe me
If it's true you do not know
That this boy loves without a reason
I'm prepared to let you go
If it's love you want from me
Then take it away
Everything's not what you see
It's over again
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt meDo you really want to make me cry
Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry

Do you really want to hurt me
Do you really want to make me cry...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" by Boy George touch on themes of love, vulnerability, and the fear of being hurt in a relationship. The singer is pleading with their partner to give them time to understand their own mistakes and to allow them to love and steal moments of happiness. They have been deeply affected by their partner, as they describe dancing inside their eyes, yet they question their own authenticity and wonder how they can be real in this situation.

The chorus repeats the question of whether the partner truly wants to cause pain or make the singer cry. The singer refers to the kisses and words exchanged between them, which have left lasting emotional wounds. They mention that lovers never ask why, suggesting that the partner may be oblivious to the hurt they are causing. They feel the fire burning in their heart, while others advise them that their attachment to this relationship is a step too far.

The singer acknowledges that their words have been few, possibly out of fear or reluctance to express themselves fully. They express the potential to waste a thousand years wrapped in sorrow, indicating their deep sadness and longing. They invite the partner to come inside and catch their tears, emphasizing their vulnerability and the need for understanding.

The lyrics suggest that the partner has been talking without truly knowing the extent of the singer's love. The singer claims to love without reason, indicating that their love is unconditional and selfless, but they are ready to let go if the partner desires. They state that if the partner wants love from them, they can have it, but everything is not as it seems. This may imply that there are complexities or hidden aspects to the relationship.

The repetition of the chorus throughout the song reinforces the singer's plea for clarity and the desire to avoid further emotional pain. The song leaves the listener with the question of whether the partner genuinely wants to hurt the singer, reflecting the uncertainty and vulnerability prevalent in the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Give me time
Please allow me some time

To realise my crime
To understand the mistake I have made

Let me love and steal
Allow me to experience love and take risks

I have danced, inside your eyes
I have felt a deep connection with you

How can I be real?
How can I be true to myself?

Do you really want to hurt me
Are you truly intending to cause me pain?

Do you really want to make me cry
Do you genuinely want to make me shed tears?

Precious kisses, words that burn me
Affectionate gestures and hurtful words that deeply affect me

Lovers never ask you why
In romantic relationships, partners rarely question each other's actions

In my heart the fire's burning
Passion is ignited within my heart

Choose my colour, find a star
Decide my identity and discover my potential

Precious people always tell me
Significant individuals always advise me

That's a step, a step too far
That action is considered excessive or extreme

Words are few I have spoken
I have not expressed myself fully

I could waste a thousand years
I could spend a significant amount of time without purpose

Wrapped in sorrow, words are token
Engulfed in sadness, words lose their meaning

Come inside and catch my tears
Join me in my vulnerability and understand my pain

You've been talking but believe me
You have been speaking, but trust what I say

If it's true you do not know
If you are unaware of the truth

That this boy loves without a reason
That I love without any specific cause

I'm prepared to let you go
I am ready to set you free

If it's love you want from me
If you desire love from me

Then take it away
Then remove it from my life

Everything's not what you see
Things are not as they appear

It's over again
The relationship has ended once more