Smalltown Boy
Smalltown Boy

Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy Lyrics

In this soulful track, the narrative follows a young man's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The protagonist leaves his small town due to the lack of understanding and acceptance he experiences there, particularly regarding his sexuality. As he… Read more

Pop
Jul 30, 1984
303
Smalltown Boy Music Video

Smalltown Boy 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

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)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (crying to your soul)
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away (crying to your soul)
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

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
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away

Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away

Writer(s): James William Somerville, Larry Steinbacheck, Steve Bronski
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Smalltown Boy?

In this soulful track, the narrative follows a young man's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The protagonist leaves his small town due to the lack of understanding and acceptance he experiences there, particularly regarding his sexuality. As he departs with just a small black case, it symbolizes his willingness to start afresh despite the uncertainty that lies ahead. The repetition of "run away, turn away" represents his continuous struggle against societal norms and prejudices. However, it also signifies his resilience and determination to seek love and acceptance elsewhere. This poignant song is a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in conservative or less accepting environments.

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