Culture Club, formed in London in 1981, became one of the most distinctive and successful bands of the 1980s, blending new wave, soul, reggae, and pop into a sound that was both innovative and accessible. Fronted by the charismatic Boy George, whose androgynous style and powerful vocals challenged traditional gender norms, the group quickly rose to international fame with hits like “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me,” “Karma Chameleon,” and “Time [Clock Of The Heart).” Their 1983 album Colour By Numbers became a global success, cementing their status as icons of the MTV generation. Known for their memorable songs, bold fashion, and cultural impact,
Culture Club not only defined much of the decade’s pop sound but also left a lasting legacy as pioneers of diversity and individuality in mainstream music.
Culture Club’s 1983 single “Karma Chameleon” is one of the most recognizable pop songs of the ’80s and a defining moment in the band’s career. Featured on their hit album Colour By Numbers, the song pairs a bright, singalong melody with Boy George’s soulful vocals and a playful, folk-inspired groove. Its universal theme of honesty and staying true to oneself resonated with audiences, helping it top charts worldwide, including a three-week run at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and six weeks at No. 1 in the UK. Catchy, colorful, and full of charm, “Karma Chameleon” remains a timeless anthem that perfectly captures Culture Club’s blend of pop flair and cultural impact.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 28th March 1983.
| A-Side | Karma Chameleon (4:01) (Culture Club) Produced By Steve Levine |
| B-Side | That’s The Way (1:43) (Culture Club) Produced By Steve Levine |
| Genre | Pop, New Wave |
| Release Date | 2nd September 1983 |
| Label | VIRGIN RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | VS 612 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 17th September 1983 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 18 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [18 Weeks] – 17th September 1983 – 14th January 1984 |
| 3-[1]-1-1-1-1-1-4-8-9-18-29-28-32-35-35-30-35 |
Officially Released Versions
Karma Chameleon [Single Version] [4:01]
Karma Chameleon [Full Length Version] [4:13]
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
There’s a loving in your eyes all the way
If I listened to your lies would you say
I’m a man without conviction
I’m a man who doesn’t know
How to sell a contradiction
You come and go
You come and go
Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon
You come and go
You come and go
Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dream
Red, gold and green
Red, gold and green
Didn’t hear your wicked words every day
And you used to be so sweet I heard you say
That my love was an addiction
When we cling our love is strong
When you go you’re gone forever
You string along
You string along
Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon
You come and go
You come and go
Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dream
Red, gold and green
Red, gold and green
Every day is like survival
You’re my lover not my rival
Every day is like survival
You’re my lover not my rival
I’m a man without conviction
I’m a man who doesn’t know
How to sell a contradiction
You come and go
You come and go
Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon
You come and go
You come and go
Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dream
Red, gold and green
Red, gold and green
Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon
You come and go
You come and go
Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dream
Red, gold and green
Red, gold and green
Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon
You come and go
You come and go
Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dream
Red, gold and green
Red, gold and green
Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon
You come and go
You come and go
Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dream
Red, gold and green
Red, gold and green
Written By George O’Dowd, Jon Moss, Michael Craig, Phil Pickett
