This 1980s hit delves into the experience of a young man grappling with his identity and the rejection he faces from his community and family. It’s a tale of courage in the face of adversity, echoing the struggles of many who feel out of place in their own homes. Written when conversations about LGBTQ+ rights were just emerging into the mainstream, the song carries a powerful message of resilience and the pursuit of true self.
Ever wondered what’s behind the haunting melody and emotive lyrics of “Smalltown Boy”? Stick with us, and we’ll take you on a journey through the heart of this iconic song.
“Smalltown Boy” Lyrics Meaning
“Smalltown Boy” starts with a young man leaving home, his life packed in a little black case, standing alone against the harsh elements. This departure sets the stage for a narrative of escape and self-discovery. The repeated line, “You leave in the morning with everything you own in a little black case,” paints a picture of finality, of a one-way journey away from a life of pain and misunderstanding.
The chorus, “Run away, turn away,” is a powerful call to action, urging the protagonist to flee from the hostility of his environment. But it’s more than physical escape; it’s a plea to turn away from the hurt and find a place where he can be true to himself. The lines, “Mother will never understand why you had to leave / But the answers you seek will never be found at home,” speak to the heart-wrenching decision to leave behind loved ones in pursuit of personal truth.
The song also touches on the theme of bullying and social rejection. “Pushed around and kicked around, always a lonely boy” underscores the protagonist’s isolation and the cruelty he endures. Despite this, the lines, “But you never cried to them, just to your soul,” reveal a deep inner strength and resilience.
Throughout, the repetition of “Run away, turn away” serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the constant need for self-preservation and the relentless search for a place of acceptance. The emotional climax of the song is reached with the repeated, “Cry, boy, cry,” which seems to permit the protagonist to finally express his pain and frustration, a cathartic release from the burden he’s been carrying.
The Story Behind “Smalltown Boy”
“Smalltown Boy” was a narrative woven from the personal experiences of Bronski Beat’s lead singer, Jimmy Somerville. Written in the early 1980s, a time of significant social and political tension surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, the song was a bold statement in a largely conservative musical landscape.
Somerville, openly gay and an advocate for gay rights, drew from his own life to create this poignant anthem. The song reflects his journey of self-discovery, coming from a small town where he felt misunderstood and marginalized. The lyrics and the emotion they convey are a testament to his own experiences with rejection and the search for a place where he could be accepted for who he was.
The song’s creation was also influenced by the broader context of the LGBTQ+ movement during that period. The 1980s were a time of increasing visibility for gay rights, but also a period marked by significant challenges, including the onset of the AIDS epidemic and widespread discrimination. “Smalltown Boy” became an anthem for this struggle, resonating with many who felt alienated and misunderstood in their own communities.
In essence, “Smalltown Boy” is more than a song. It’s a narrative of personal and collective struggle, a snapshot of a moment in history, and a message of hope and resilience that continues to inspire.