Bronski Beat, formed in London in 1983 by Steve Bronski, Larry Steinbachek, and Jimmy Somerville, became a groundbreaking force in 80s synth-pop and LGBTQ+ representation in music. Their sound blended emotionally charged vocals with minimalist electronic production, creating powerful songs that addressed issues of sexuality, discrimination, and vulnerability at a time when such topics were rarely explored in mainstream pop. Their 1984 debut album The Age Of Consent featured the iconic hit “Smalltown Boy,” a poignant anthem of alienation and resilience that remains one of the era’s most influential tracks.
Bronski Beat’s bold themes, combined with their distinctive synth-driven sound, positioned them not just as chart-topping artists but as important cultural voices in a transformative decade for pop music and queer visibility.
Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy” is one of the most powerful and emotional synth-pop songs of the 1980s. Released in 1984, it tells the story of a young man leaving his hometown in search of acceptance, carried by Jimmy Somerville’s soaring falsetto and a beautifully melancholic electronic arrangement. The song resonated deeply with listeners, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, offering rare visibility and honesty in mainstream pop.
Its pulsing beat and unforgettable melody helped it become a major hit across Europe, while its message of courage and self-discovery has made it an enduring classic. “Smalltown Boy” remains a moving anthem of resilience that still touches hearts today.
The song peaked at No. 03 in the UK charts on 23rd June 1984.
| A-Side | Smalltown Boy (4:04) (Somerville, Steinbachek, Bronski) Produced By Mike Thorne |
| B-Side | Memories (2:55) (Somerville, Steinbachek, Bronski) Produced By Mike Thorne |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | June 1984 |
| Label | FORBIDDEN FRUIT |
| Catalogue Number | BITE 1 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 2nd June 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 03 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 11 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [11 Weeks] – 2nd June 1984 – 11th August 1984 |
Officially Released Versions
Smalltown Boy (Single Version) (4:04)
Smalltown Boy (12″ Version) (9:01)
Smalltown Boy (Remix) (6:04)
Smalltown Boy (Reprise) (2:45)
Smalltown Boy (Album Version) (5:02)
Smalltown Boy (Instrumental) (5:03)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
To your soul
To your soul
Cry
Cry
Cry
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
Mother will never understand why you had to leave
But the answers you seek will never be found at home
The love that you need will never be found at home
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (Oooh)
Pushed around and kicked around, always a lonely boy
You were the one that they’d talk about around town as they put you down
And as hard as they would try they’d hurt to make you cry
But you never cried to them, just to your soul
No, you never cried to them, just 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
(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
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)
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
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)
Written By Somerville, Steinbachek, Bronski
