Released in 1983, "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?" stands as a defining track in the post-punk revival of the early 1980s. Performed by Boy George, the song blends new wave energy with a haunting vocal delivery that became a signature of his solo career. The recording captures the raw emotional intensity characteristic of the era, featuring a driving rhythm section that contrasts with George's melodic, often melancholic singing. As one of his most recognizable singles, it helped establish his reputation as a leading figure in the genre, influencing countless artists who followed. The song remains a staple of the music of the 1980s, celebrated for its atmospheric production and the way it articulated the anxieties of its time through a unique sonic palette.