Smalltown Boy

Album: The Age Of Consent (1983)
Charted: 3 48
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is a semi-autobiographical story of Jimmy Somerville, who was lead singer of the band at the time. The song covers the oppression of homosexuals in provincial Scotland in the early 1980s.
  • The music video was groundbreaking in its depiction of what the song meant. It showed Somerville being attacked by a homophobic gang and being brought home by police to the family whom he is attempted to run away from. It was among the 125 videos selected by Channel 4 to be voted into their top 100.
  • This was Bronski Beat's debut on the British charts. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kian - Dublin, Ireland, for all above

Comments: 2

  • Pj Dublin from IrelandThis great video is a good example of the backward treatment of gay people by even their own back in the day, thankfully now I hope things are more accepted in todays world very touching..love is love ..love all creatures..
  • Mimzy from Salem, Orthis song is about the isolation, shame, abuse and loneliness that goes along with being gay in a rural, backwoods community.

    very touching and sad, and also a very good dance tune - which makes it such an amazing song. never fails to send chills down my spine.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?