About the Song
"Karma Chameleon" is a song by English band Culture Club, featured on the group's 1983 album Colour by Numbers. The single was released in the United Kingdom in September 1983 and became the second Culture Club single to reach the top of the UK singles chart, after "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me". The record stayed at number one for six weeks and became the UK's biggest-selling single of the year 1983, selling 955,000 copies in 1983 and certificated platinum by BPI. To date, it is the 38th-biggest-selling single of all time in the UK, selling over 1.52 million copies.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song "Karma Chameleon" can be read as exploring themes of identity and change. For many listeners, it reflects the struggle of staying true to oneself amid societal pressures and expectations. The idea of a 'chameleon' suggests adaptability, highlighting the tension between authenticity and the desire to fit in. This resonates with anyone who has experienced the challenges of navigating personal identity in a changing world. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with these deeper themes, creating a dynamic that invites both reflection and enjoyment.
Did You Know?
- Culture Club are an English pop band formed in London in 1981.
- Emerging in the New Romantic scene, they are considered one of the most representative and influential groups of the 1980s.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Colour By Numbers
- Genre: Rock
- iTunes release date: September 5, 1983
- Track runtime: 4:13
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Culture Club – Karma Chameleon (Official Music Video)
- YouTube channel: CultureClubVEVO
- Video published: February 28, 2009
- Video runtime: 3 minutes, 59 seconds
- YouTube views when drafted: 904,459,106
- YouTube likes when drafted: 3,225,894
- YouTube comments when drafted: 108,263
Quick Facts
- Artist: CULTURE CLUB
- Song: KARMA CHAMELEON
- Album/collection: Colour By Numbers
- Genre: Rock
- Reference page: Karma Chameleon
