The song “Karma Chameleon” is about the combination of fear of alienation and the pressure to conform.
Everyone faces societal pressure in one way or another. In the 1980s, when being gay was still seen as a defect instead of just who someone is, George Alan O’Dowd, better known as Boy George, felt that societal pressure when he was in a relationship with Jon Moss, who was the drummer of the group Culture Club. George, in fact, wrote many of the group’s songs about his relationship with Moss, necessarily keeping the relationship in the closet.
Says Something to Everybody
Because the song can have some meaning for everyone who hears it, it’s like a chameleon—changing colors as it feels necessary. Contrary to popular belief, chameleons don’t change color to hide even if their color changes mimic the background of their location. Rather, chameleons largely change color based on their mood, like a living mood ring. Sometimes, they do it to attract a mate. Less often, they change their colors not to hide but rather to defend their territory. This collection of color-changing behaviors is similar to how human beings react to both societal pressures and interlopers in their territory whether actual or metaphorical. This is why the song speaks to everyone, celebrating both naivete and excitement.
Chart Performance
“Karma Chameleon” was an international smash. Counting the United States, it was No. 1 in a dozen countries simultaneously around the world. In the United States, it was No. 1 for the entire month of February 1984. In addition to being No. 1 in those 12 countries, it was in the top five in four more. Aside from several countries in Europe, it was also No. 1 on the Eurochart itself for seven weeks, beginning on October 22, 1983.
Other Media
“Karma Chameleon” has appeared in dozens of television programs and movies as part of the soundtrack. The television appearances range from gritty cable programs like “Dexter” to police procedurals like “Cold Case.” As far as comedy appearances go, “The Office,” “Futurama,” and “Life in Pieces” featured the song. Of course, contestants on singing shows like “the Masked Singer” and “The Voice” have chosen the song as well. The film appearances of the song aren’t as well-known, but it’s still featured in the soundtracks of “Pride,” “Rock Star,” and “My Best Friend’s Exorcism.” It is worth noting that the eclectic appearances of the song mimic the chameleon’s ability to change color.
Lyrics
Desert loving in your eyes all the way
If I listen to your lies, would you say
I’m a man (a man) without conviction
I’m a man (a man) who doesn’t know
How to sell (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 dreams
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 (my love) was an addiction
When we cling (we cling), our love is strong
When you go (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 dreams
Red, gold, and green, red, gold, and green
Every day is like survival (survival)
You’re my lover (my lover), not my rival
Every day is like survival (survival)
You’re my lover (my lover), not my rival
I’m a man (a man) without conviction
I’m a man (a man) who doesn’t know
How to sell (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 dreams
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 dreams
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 dreams
Red, gold, and green, red, gold, and green
Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: George Alan O’Dowd / Jonathan Aubrey Moss / Michael Emile Craig / Philip Stuart Pickett / Roy Ernest Hay
Karma Chameleon lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Listeners of music from the 1980’s, might also appreciate the song Pass The Dutchie by Musical Youth
