Culture Club, formed in London in 1981, rose to international fame as one of the most distinctive and influential bands of the 1980s. Fronted by the charismatic Boy George, whose soulful voice and androgynous style made him an instant icon, the group also featured Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, and Jon Moss. Blending new wave, pop, reggae, and soul, they crafted a sound that was both innovative and widely accessible. Their 1982 breakthrough single ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me’ catapulted them to global stardom, followed by massive hits like ‘Karma Chameleon’ and ‘Time (Clock Of The Heart).’. Beyond their chart success, Culture Club helped challenge traditional ideas of gender and identity in pop culture, making them not only musical pioneers but cultural trailblazers.
With over 50 million records sold worldwide, their legacy continues to resonate as one of the most vibrant voices of the decade.
Culture Club’s breakthrough hit ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me’ (1982) introduced the world to Boy George’s soulful vocals and the band’s unique fusion of pop, reggae, and new wave. With its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, the song stood out from the synth-heavy tracks dominating the charts at the time, offering something more vulnerable and emotive. It quickly became a global success, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching No. 2 in the US, firmly establishing Culture Club as one of the decade’s most exciting new acts. Even today, ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me’ remains a timeless classic, remembered for its sincerity, style, and the arrival of a band that would help define the sound and look of the 80s.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 23rd October 1982.
| A-Side | Do You Really Want To Hurt Me (4:15) (Culture Club) Produced By Steve Levine |
| B-Side | Do You Really Want To Hurt Me (Dub Version) (3:34) (Culture Club) Produced By Steve Levine |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, Reggae, New Wave |
| Release Date | 1st September 1982 |
| Label | VIRGIN RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | VS 518 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 25th September 1982 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 12 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [12 Weeks] – 25th September 1982 – 4th December 1982 |
| 38-15-3-2-[1]-1-1-1-4-7-18-30 |
Officially Released Versions
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? [Single Version] [4:!5]
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? [Dub Version] [3:34]
See ALL releases of ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?’ on Discogs.
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
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
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 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 me?
Do you really want to make me cry?
Written by Culture Club
