Smalltown Boy

Bronski Beat's 'Smalltown Boy' is a poignant narrative of a young man's painful journey of self-discovery and the subsequent rejection he faces. The song, released in 1984 during a time of widespread homophobia, is widely interpreted as a coming-of-age story about a gay teenager leaving his home and the closed-minded environment of his small town in search of acceptance and love. The recurring line 'Run away, turn away' encapsulates the protagonist's need to escape the oppressive atmosphere where he cannot live authentically.

The lyrics describe the protagonist's departure, carrying everything he owns in a 'little black case,' symbolizing the weight of his identity and the small amount of physical possessions he can take with him. The 'sad and lonely face' in the rain at the train station is a powerful image of isolation and the emotional turmoil of leaving one's family and familiar surroundings. The song conveys the universal struggle of seeking understanding from a place that cannot provide it, highlighting the necessity of leaving to find a sense of belonging and love elsewhere.

The emotional core of the song is the internal resilience of the protagonist. Despite being 'pushed around and kicked around,' he does not show his vulnerability to his oppressors, instead crying 'to your soul.' This internalization of pain speaks to the strength and solitude of the character, who must endure the pain in silence. 'Smalltown Boy' is a testament to the courage required to pursue one's truth in the face of adversity and the bittersweet reality of leaving home to find oneself.