Glamour Boys

Living Colour's song 'Glamour Boys' offers a sharp critique of a superficial lifestyle centered around appearances and social status. The 'glamour boys' in the song are depicted as individuals who prioritize their image and social standing above all else. They are always seen in the most fashionable clothes, attending the hottest parties, and maintaining a facade of success and happiness. However, this glamorous exterior hides a lack of substance and financial stability, as the lyrics reveal that they 'never have no money' and live off their ambition without any real clout or influence.

The song's narrator distances himself from these 'glamour boys,' repeatedly asserting, 'I ain't no glamour boy, I'm fierce!' This declaration serves as a rejection of the shallow values and empty pursuits that define the glamour boys' lives. The narrator's fierceness represents authenticity and a refusal to conform to societal expectations of glamour and success. The song suggests that the glamour boys' lifestyle is unsustainable, as they live for the moment without considering the future, and eventually, 'time catches up and you have to pay.'

Living Colour, known for their fusion of rock, funk, and metal, often addresses social and political issues in their music. 'Glamour Boys' is no exception, as it critiques the culture of superficiality and the pursuit of fame and fortune at the expense of genuine human connection and integrity. The song's energetic and defiant tone underscores the band's message, encouraging listeners to look beyond appearances and value substance over style. By highlighting the emptiness of the glamour boys' lives, Living Colour calls for a more meaningful and authentic way of living.