“Karma Chameleon” Culture Club

We’ve probably all sung along to “Karma Chameleon” at one time, althogh this is not something you might want to admit in public. It’s one of those irresistibly catchy songs which on the surface, seems to have no actual meaning. That’s a touchy subject with its singer and co-writer Boy George.

“It’s so stupid when people say the song isn’t about anything. It’s about this terrible fear of alienation that people have…the fear of standing up for one thing. It’s about trying to suck up to everybody, ‘Oh yes…I agree with you.’”

Boy George is describing how people change to please others, much the same way a chameleon changes its colors to blend in to its surroundings. Nobody will ever accuse George of being like everyone else…but what is the whole “karma” angle all about?

“What we’re saying in this song is if you aren’t true, if you don’t act like you feel, then you get karma…justice. That’s nature’s way of paying you back.”

Then God only knows what George has been doing in recent years because his karma is bad; he’s enjoyed everything from drug abuse to kidnapping charges and even some time spent in jail.

But back when he looked like a woman, and frankly sang like one, his karma brought him instant wealth and fame. “Karma Chameleon” became his biggest hit when it spent three weeks at No. 1 in January of 1983.

98.5 KRZ Jumpin’ Jeff Walker is the drive-time DJ on 98.5 KRZ-FM from 3-7 p.m. He also researchs and collects the orgins and inspirations for well-known pop songs. Source: “Billboard Book of #1 Hits,” Fred Bronson, published 2003 by Billboard Books

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