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

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

Janet Jackson

Janet JacksonFact or Fiction

Was Janet secretly married at 18? Did she gain 60 pounds for a movie role that went to Mariah Carey? See what you know about Ms. Jackson.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?