Ask any queer person to name their favorite pride anthem and they’ll rattle off countless songs recorded by artists ranging from Judy Garland to Lady Gaga, plus you’ll likely hear the title of virtually every song recorded during the disco era. Then there’s “Smalltown Boy,” the Bronski Beat’s 1984 plaintive wail against bullying and homophobic oppression. Except for The Smiths’ entire library, has any song ever encapsulated the loneliness felt by LGBT teens as they’re trying to make their way to adulthood? The band’s vocalist Jimmy Somerville recently recorded a reprise of the 1984 classic and his beautiful, soaring tenor is still intact.
Listen to Somerville’s remake below and then scroll down for other versions.
Here’s the original video, which makes the queer-themed storyline crystal clear.
Last October, Somerville surprised a busker in Berlin by joining him for an acoustic rendition of the song.
Mezaien
I can vision a HOMO president in the USA sooner then we think.
TVC 15
Aw, the street musician video is very cute. Jimmy’s still great. Much love!
Marc
Seriously?? between being very cute and the song being time/ 30 years ago
hudson
love that song. and, sadly, its still relevant.
michael
Sommerville had a lovely/brilliant musical career on the mid 80s and his music was so important to me at the time. He sang great introspective songs (like Smalltown Boy) and great new-wavish disco/dance songs. If you liked the above, try some of his other bands/songs: Bronski Beat (Don’t Leave Me This Way, Hit That Perfect Beat, Heatwave, I Feel Love Medley, Ain’t Necessarily So) and Communards (So Cold The Night, Never Can Say Goodbye.)
Polaro
Love the original…love, love love the new version. Even better.