This reminds me of the endless 1980s night clubs dancing. Especially as a student. The smell of the dry ice 'smoke', the green lasers, the feeling of fear going to chat up a girl, the alcohol, the cigarette smoke, the level of loud music, and the way the dancing crowd would move en masse. Such an amazing time, we just never realised it, we thought it would last for ever....
Every ERA has an end. But remember the good times and compair them to today's teenagers life, the gap is huge & not saying that because im 50 but because quality and spontaneity was the feeling of 80's & 90's. You woke up every morning with the feeling that something great is going to happen....
A very sad song. The rejection from his father. the love of his mother. Very atmospheric and a hard hitting message. Accept who you are, and accept who others are.
He was pretty much being a pervert on a straight guy at a pool, he was a sexual pervert. Why do people now always protect and feel sorry for the deviant rather than the victim
I am 56 so was a teenager when this song was released. I loved it then just because it’s a fabulous song but didn’t realise the real message behind it then. I do now. Jimmy and Bronski Beat were so brave and I applaud them xx
I grew up in the 1970's and 80's in a small town in the Canadian prairies. I knew gay people, but no one could ever reveal that aspect of their life. I had an older brother who was autistic and everyone was so cruel to him, bullying him constantly. The one person who stook up for him was the principal of the elementary school. My parents knew the principal was gay, and he was allowed to be himself in our home. He could empathize with my brother. Neither was considered normal. Both were hated. Neither did anything to deserve it. Neither understood the hatred they faced. They felt it every day. The principal's partner died suddenly one day, and that poor man had to grieve in silence and without showing emotion. Eventually he left our town, never to return, his heart broken in half. This song always reminds me of him.
So sad. I met a Canadian bird n moved to Stoon, back home in London now. Sone fellas ain’t travelled out there tiny town there. That said, clubs n all sir now. Ain’t no Vegas but being gay looked more open. Small progress.
I cant f****ing believe this song is 40 years old , it was just yesterday, I was 20, Hang on!!!!!!!!! it was just yesterday, schitt it WAS just yesterday, Life is fleeting , to all you 20 somethings out there, tomorrow you will be typing this and you will be 60. Live everyday , don't hate , just love.
This is a full on movie told in 5 minutes. The vocals, instrumentals and message are incredibly beautiful yet haunting. I will forever love this song, and yes, I’m an 80’s teen who remembers clearly when this track first came out. Much love to all who personally relate to this song ❤✌🏼
Agreed.... I'm 53 and this track reminds me of growing up and yes it does make me cry because of its beautiful melody and grace.... A forever track in my soul....
I remember that video! That's when I was growing up. A lot of the bands from the 80s were gay or had gay members. We all knew what some of the songs "meant... We actually challenged each other to REALLY listen to not just the beat, but the "message". back then, people knew who was gay and who was straight. We just didn't make a big deal out if it and all treated each other the same. I sure do miss those days.
Not gay, just a 35 year old straight white male. This song and especially the video are just amazing. It's an entire life story in a few minutes of sheer art.
OMG. I was right in the middle at the time - fortunately too shy and a late starter having sex which probably saved my life. But I remember how scared we all were.
I'm 15 and I'm in love with this song. This masterpiece touches my soul. I used to listen to it when my dad was driving. This song is incredible , I feel lots of emotions when I listen to it , it reminds me my father who loves it too. Please , Never let this song die.
When this song came out there was no Internet or anything, I didnt know the video was a young guy on a train. But I remember listening to this song on my Sony Walkman, on the train to London, on my own for the first time to go and see if I coukd find any other gay people, go to a gay bar for the first time and discover myself. I was terrified but excited. Songs like this helped me believe, and cope. It was the beginning of my gay life and an amazing adventure. Hearing this song still takes me back to thst train journey to London, I even remember which seat I had. Now I feel my journey is coming to an end. And I'm so sad about it. I wish I could do it all again. Now living with hiv, fighting cancer, still afraid of being alone, I still love this song and the memories it evokes.
Nowadays there are many, many chances to still keep moving with life even having those diseases,, I met people also with both illness and are doing perfectly well .. I hope you also find that shinning light to help you and try be surrounded by good people.. Im sure there are still people who loves you out there :) .. Peace & Love ❤
I pray my Heavenly Father reveals himself to you and you meet the real Jesus Christ.I pray that he comforts you under his wings .psalm91.good news Bible.
.....Funny, society seems to always define courage as a masculine act......I could not imagine the courage it took to write and perform this song 40-plus years ago.
Born and Raised in England and now live in America the beat and video itself reminds me so much of home and how much I love my country. A feeling of Nostalgia :)
@@daighnugent4976 lol mate I'm glad I'm not the only one .I lived in East Dereham and Norwich and moved here at 22 in the 80s..Raised in a children's home the video of this song, the pictures,train ride and adventure outdoors has Britain all over it.
I'm not gay myself, but this song is so heartfelt and Jimmy singing is just lovely and the instrumentation is fantastic and very 80's. Jimmy sings a lovely falsetto although his pleasant (Glasgow accented) speaking voice is much deeper, practically a baritone.
@@41663 liking a gay tune then and now when gay or not makes no difference. This song has much deeper levels than than such simplistics and it's a grower and grower over decades!!
59 going on 20 the age I was when this came out, 39yrs later a grandfather and still dancing to it, albeit granddad style, happy days great times n tunes the 80s, thanks Jimmy .
memories, freedom, the music was awesome, staying out all night dancing until 3 am on Saturday, sometimes Friday too, meeting cute boys, dressing up in cute clothes, lived at home with my parents and i didnt have to worry about bills.
I love how listening to this still brings out the same emotions in me as it did all those years ago. To all small-town boys and girls out there I send my ❤
So brave and bold making this amazing tune in a time when prejudice was still so rife. They helped pave the way for generations of small town boys/girls to come. Big respect and love.
Faço das suas palavras as minhas. Nasce no anos 70 era uma caretice só os corajoso se ousava fugir de casa aos 18 anos. Pai era militar dar pra ter uma ideia mundo que eu vivia 😅😅😅😅
The first time I heard this song on the radio I went to my local record store and I asked the staff at the shop who sung it and I was told Bronski Beat. I asked if they had the 7” record and I was told no it’s out of stock, but we have one special version of the vinyl record left. I asked a special version, the staff member gave me a special 12” pressed vinyl record that is in the shape of the band name Bronski Beat.. I don’t know if it’s rare or worth anything, but I’ve still got it in my vinyl record collection
what a song... both lyrics and melody - sad and uplifting at the same time - they invoke an emotion but also tell a story. and the video totally fits and is also amazingly well done - down to earth visual language helps one to identify with characters, and it tells a whole (back)story in under 5 minutes. sometimes it all just comes together.
Such an important moment in time. Some of us made it. My partner died last year and was 75. He fought his fight and it was greater than mine but he/we was strong enough together. I believe things have now changed for the better. But what do I know?
I'm very sorry for your loss. But I know what you mean when you say "some of us made it" - you mean some of us survived the prejudice and discrimination, and - of course - the terrible illnesses that were claiming lots of lives in the '80s and '90s. Mark Ashton (R.I.P.) didn't survive, whilst Jonathan Blake - miraculously, it would seem - has 🙂
I love this dude, Jimmy Somerville !! First (obvious) gay video I remember on MTV. This channel saved me from my catholic bullocks. This smalltown boy ran as hard as she could. Love ya Jimmy, sweet dude.
The most cruel people are the people who do not understand the other. I come from Bosnia and I am an Muslim Bosnian woman. For my part, everyone can be, whatever you want to be.
Not many of my friends did listen to this back in the days. Later many have understood pretty nicely what they missed. The 1980's wheren't the easiest time to grow up.
Sou de 91, mas quando ouço essa música, eu viajo, parece que volto aos anos 80, sinto que em outra vida participei dessa década espetacular, não só com essa música mas como outras, a melhor década sem dúvida!
SOU DE 81, E VIAJO MAIS AINDA, NÃO EXISTE TECNOLOGIA QUE POSSA OFERECER UMA ÉPOCA ONDE A INTENSIDADE HUMANA ERA MAIOR QUE A INTENSIDADE MATERIALISTA. EU PREFIRO ESPERAR 1000 ANOS PARA NASCER EM UMA GERAÇÃO PARECIDA DO QUE NASCER AMANHÃ PARA CORRER ATRÁZ DE DINHEIRO.
This song Small town boy means so much to me and all the other Small town boys and girls all around the World the lyrics and Jimmy Somervilles vocals are truly Amazing rip Steve Bronski
@@luckyhunter5291 The Guardian has an article 23 December 2021 stating he died in a Soho flat fire, but there is nothing else. I just found this and am trying to find further information, that will give any further attention to that.
This Bronski beat song Small town boy is a Amazing wonderful song with lyrics that mean so much to me and all the Small town boys and girls all over the World 🌎 from a 59 years old Irish Smalltown boy ❤️
This Bronski beat song Small town boy is truly a masterpiece of music it means so much to all the Small town boys and girls all over the world like me a 60 years young Irishman Small town boy from Dublin 🇮🇪
My son who is only 26is with his wonderful partner there is a 36year age gap hes seen alot of changers in that time to all the gay gentlemen this is one mum that loves and are proud of all of you wonderful human beings and the haters go rot❤❤❤❤❤
