Karma Chameleon
by Culture Club
What is “Karma Chameleon” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon' explores themes of changeability and inconsistency in relationships, expressing the frustration and confusion that can arise when a partner is emotionally inconstant.
So… what’s this song really about?
The lyrics of 'Karma Chameleon' symbolically link the imagery of a chameleon, known for changing colors, to the emotional and behavioral changes of a person within a relationship. This comparison underscores the instability and unpredictability that the speaker feels from their partner, who 'comes and goes' much like the changing colors of the chameleon. The repetition of 'you come and go' further emphasizes the cyclical and unreliable nature of the partner’s affection, creating a sense of emotional unease. Moreover, the dream of loving 'if your colours were like my dream' alludes to a yearning for a more consistent and harmonious relationship, marked by the peaceful colors of red, gold, and green. By integrating themes of contradiction and survival, the song reflects on the broader human experience of dealing with conflicting emotions and the existential struggle inherent in relationships. The bridge contrasts the notions of survival and rivalry, suggesting a preference for partnerships based on mutual support rather than competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the chameleon represent in 'Karma Chameleon'?
In the song, the chameleon symbolizes change and inconstancy, reflecting the fluctuating emotions and behaviors of a partner in a relationship.
Q: Why are the colors red, gold, and green mentioned in the song?
The colors red, gold, and green are mentioned as a representation of an ideal, dream-like state of harmony and beauty in a relationship, which contrasts with the reality of inconsistency depicted in the song.
Lyrics to “Karma Chameleon”
73 ContributorsTranslations
[Chorus]
Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon
You come and go, you come and go
Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream
Red, gold and green, red, gold and green
[Bridge]
Every day is like survival (Survival)
You're my lover, not my rival
Every day is like survival (Survival)
You're my lover, not my rival
[Pre-Chorus]
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
[Chorus]
Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon
You come and go, you come and go
Loving would be easy if your colours 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 colours 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 colours 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 colours were like my dream
Red, gold and green, red, gold and green