Smalltown Boy

“Smalltown Boy” is by British synth-pop band Bronski Beat, and is the sixth track from 1984 debut album “The Age of Consent”. “Smalltown Boy” was written by members Steve Bronksi, Jimmy Somerville and Larry Steinbachek, with production done by Mile Thorne.

“Smalltown Boy” is a popular gay anthem, discussing the oppression and maltreatment of closest homosexuals in the 1980s, particularly in Scotland. Somerville wrote the song as a sort of autobiographical story of his life and experiencing that mistreatment.

The video was directed by Bernard Rose, and features band member Jimmy Somerville going about his life, sadly experiencing homophobia, be it from family, friends or people in the town. Somerville is shown on a train, going about his day. The video was released in 1984, however it was uploaded to YouTube in August 2018. As of July 2020, the video has 26.4 million views and almost a quarter of a million likes.

Release Date: 1984

Songwriter/s: Steve Bronksi, Jimmy Somerville & Larry Steinbachek

Producer: Mile Thorne

Label: London Records

Music Video Release Date: 1984

Music Video Director: Bernard Rose

Chart Rankings & Certifications: In its year of release, “Smalltown Boy” went to #8 on the charts in Australia, #1 in Belgium, #9 in Canada, #3 in Germany, #8 in France, #4 in Ireland, #2 in Italy, #1 in the Netherlands, #5 in New Zealand, #2 in Switzerland, #3 in the UK, and #48, #1, #4 and #32 on various charts in the US. “Smalltown Boy” is certified Gold in both Canada and the UK.

The lyrics to “Smalltown Boy” can be accessed here: LINK