Smalltown Boy
by Bronski Beat
What is “Smalltown Boy” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Bronski Beat's 'Smalltown Boy' is a poignant narrative about a young man's painful journey of leaving his disapproving hometown due to his sexuality, capturing the struggle of embracing one's true self amidst rejection and loneliness.
So… what’s this song really about?
The lyrics of 'Smalltown Boy' poignantly depict the emotional turmoil and isolation faced by a young man compelled to flee his hometown because he does not conform to its norms. At its core, the song explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the longing for freedom. Through evocative imagery, such as a lonely figure with a small suitcase and the grim weather, the narrative underscores the intense sense of alienation and heartbreak associated with being ostracized by one's own community.
The recurring chorus urging him to 'run away' and 'turn away' resonates as a painful yet necessary call to seek a better life elsewhere, where he can live authentically. These sentiments are compounded by the repetitive structure of the lyrics, amplifying the cyclical nature of emotional pain and the relentless pursuit of a place to belong. The track's poignant bridge, 'Cry, boy, cry', becomes a cathartic release of all the pent-up emotions, driving home the message of the song's deep emotional impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Smalltown Boy' by Bronski Beat released?
The song 'Smalltown Boy' was released in 1984.
Q: What genre is 'Smalltown Boy' considered to be?
'Smalltown Boy' is considered to be part of the synth-pop genre.
Lyrics to “Smalltown Boy”
48 ContributorsTranslations
[Chorus]
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
(Crying to your soul, crying to your soul)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
(Crying to your soul, crying to your soul)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (Cry)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
[Bridge]
Cry, boy, cry
Cry, boy, cry
Cry, boy, cry, boy, cry
Cry, boy, cry, boy, cry
Cry, boy, cry, boy, cry
Cry, boy, cry, boy, cry
Cry, boy, cry, boy, cry
Cry, boy, cry, boy, cry
(Cry)
[Verse 5]
You leave in the morning with everything you own in a little black case
Alone on a platform, the wind and the rain on a sad and lonely face
[Chorus]
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (Cry)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (Cry)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
(To your soul, to your soul)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (Cry)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (Cry)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (To your soul)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
(To your soul)