Smalltown Boy was a ground-breaking record in many ways, at least back in 1984 when it first came out. The combination of Jimmy Somerville’s gorgeous vocals paired with the sad story of a young gay lad unable to survive in the world and unwelcome at home struck home for many adolescents, both gay and straight. It’s a beautiful, sad song with a great melody and a great video.
Lots of information out there about this song:
And of course, the lyrics:
You leave in the morning
With everything you own in a little black case
Alone on the platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Mother will never understand
Why you had to leave
For 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’d never cry to them
Just to your soul
No you’d never cry to them
Just to your soul
