☝️ Key Points
- The singer describes an unstable and changing relationship, in which the partner constantly changes their 'colors' like a chameleon
- The singer feels insecure and indecisive due to the partner's repeated coming and going
- The chorus emphasizes the principle of 'karma', which points to cause and effect, and expresses the singer's desire for more stability and predictability in the partner's behavior
- The singer perceives the relationship as a daily struggle to survive rather than a loving partnership
- The song addresses the challenges and difficulties of an unstable relationship
Interpretation
The song 'Karma Chameleon' by
Culture Club is a metaphorical representation of an unstable and changing relationship. The singer talks about a partner who comes and goes, similar to a chameleon that constantly changes its colors. This reflects the inconsistency and unpredictability of the partner.
'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.' - Here, the singer explains that he is unsure and indecisive because his partner constantly comes and goes, leading to conflicting feelings.
'Karma karma karma karma karma chameleon, You come and go, you come and go. Loving would be easier if your colors were like my dream, Red gold and green, red gold and green.' - The constant repetition of the word 'Karma' in the chorus alludes to the universal principle of cause and effect. The singer wishes that the relationship would be easier if the partner were constant and predictable (symbolized by the colors red, gold, and green).
'Every day is like survival, You're my lover, not my rival.' - Here, the singer expresses that the relationship feels more like a daily struggle for survival rather than a loving partnership.
Overall, the song is about the challenges and difficulties in an unstable relationship caused by the unpredictable behavior of the partner.