This song was in part, a part of the fight back against the government’s Clause 28 which restricted local education authorities to discuss issues around homosexuality. This had a double negative impact because the AIDS epidemic. In other words; how can you solve pertinent issues that adversely affect a particular community if one of your institutions can’t discuss that community?
I remember hearing this song when I was young, watching the video on TV and not really understanding why, but I was TRANSFIXED to the screen, I didn't analyze the lyrics, I didn't really understand what was happening in the video but something deep inside me drew me to this, and I KNEW this was something special. Later on of course I made the connections, but I will never forget that feeling, hearing Jimmy's voice and feeling that this was meant for me.
SURELY WHEN GEN Z HEAR STUFF LIKE THIS THEY MUST THINK WOW THIS SONG ANNIHILATES THE CORPORATE POP GARBAGE IVE BEEN SPOON FED MY ENTIRE LIFE , MY LIFES NEVER GOING TO BE THE SAME AGAIN !!!
@@KF-cx8bm Thatcher was a c*nt and should never have been near power. She sat back and let thousands of gay men die of AIDS without lifting a finger and then brought out Section 28 which was an attack on the gay community. Britain was a nightmare in the 70's and an even bigger one in the 80's unless you were well off.
I was 14yrs old when this song came out and growing up in a very small town in rural Oklahoma I could personally relate to this song. I was very much aware of my sexuality at the time. The 80's was a difficult time for gay youth. Being at the height of the AIDS epidemic you were easily a target of hate and bigotry. Even if you were just suspected of being gay. I left after graduation and never went back.
I from Oklahoma and grew up in 80s and all I can say is I'm sorry for what you went through. I get it. I hope your life turned out much happier when you left. I know many of my friends in LGBTQ community who moved for same reason. I keep in touch on social media and not one of them would come back. Much love and best wishes
I grew up in the UK and I can relate to your comments. I was targeted and bullied for all of my secondary school years for being a feminine male. It was a living hell each and every day. 🌈
I remember seeing this video on MTV in 1985 when we first got cable TV... it didn’t get played often but as an introverted 14 year old I was drawn to the hypnotic synths and driving beat. I didn’t know the lyrics but it spoke to me on a deep level and I didn’t know why. I finally realized why it did when I came out 5 years later.
Hard to watch this video since it brings back a lot of painful memories. But in retrospect this song and video was a turning point in my journey of self acceptance at the same time as this song and video was released. Brilliant, powerful and brave statement on Jimmy’s part, I have always loved him, whether it be Bronski Beat, Communards or solo. So glad you chose this Dereck ❤️
@@manlikecheerio I can't stand falsetto voices, counter tenors, etc. Jimmy Sommerville is the only one I can listen to and enjoy. His voice is in a class of it's own, powerful, expressive and totally unique.
This song is an iconic piece of LGBT history here in the UK. For those of a certain age, this song is loaded with nostalgia and the memories of that time come flooding back within the first two bars of the music. It certainly does stand the test of time and is as relevant today as it was back then. The main riff was used in a club track a few years ago (together with another sample from Bronski Beat's 'Why?' (another great track)). The club track is pretty damn good too! Have just discovered your reactions,and am thoroughly enjoying them! Looking forward to more.....Here's a link to that dance track,for anyone interested..... ruclips.net/video/j4D1zHPBBQY/видео.html
Being one of those of a certain age myself, I went through this in a small town (hiding crushes and faking "normal"). When I moved to Seattle for college I found and nervously bought this record wondering if the clerk know I was gay because of it or even cared. Difficult period.
I was a pudgy, nerdy, artsy boy in a rural New England town. Bullied, beaten up, alienated. Totally straight and I relate to this song on a visceral level. Still brings me to tears. It is by and for gay folks but anyone with empathy and compassion, who has felt alienation and abuse can connect with this beautiful song
i've been around a bit and seen some stuff and you are not alone. and also, there are allies out there. find the people that love and support you. sometimes chosen family is better than blood.
Always makes me cry ! check out the film "Pride" about the miners strike in NE England where the LGBT community supported the Miners and put on a concert at The Camden Palace called " Pits & Perverts" and Jimmy Somerville headlined the concert - Great Film !!
Pride is a great film, well worth seeing. But the miners strike was across the UK not just in NE England, and the film focuses on London’s LGBT community and a Welsh mining community.
I’m hetro and l think this is amazing story telling. It always feels good to see him leave with a couple of mates. He would have found acceptance in the cities gay community. The problem with homophobs is they can’t get past the Sex stuff. They don’t think about the love that the 2 people have for each other.
I grew up in the 80s and this is my coming out song. I love jimmy Somerville but this song always reminds me of coming out, being chased by a gun, running interstate to start my life. Very heavy emotions.
Being chased by a gun?! I just, I don't even have the words. I simply am sincerely sorry. I don't care who you are, NO ONE deserves living in fear and being chased out of the very person you are. I can't listen to this song without being hypnotized and torn at the same time. All my love to you and you and you also ❤️
@@jankypop-a-matic58 Oh please, we all know that conservatives are the ones opposed to gay rights, don't play dumb, you know it's true. It's conservative political parties who are doing everything they can to oppose LGBT rights.
@@enriquesanchez9016 That's your true colors right there buddy! Your "indoctrinated" true colors rather. Try to think outside of the box for a change. Bad behavior like those parents comes in all colors, fashions and political affiliations. It's not a F'n political thing! Partisan politics is for the MSM brainwashed masses as far as I'm concerned...
I think you should be brave enough to say "gay". I appreciate the fact that you are listening to these songs, but try and be forthright and use non-vague terminology.
@@chaipup7045 I thought you were defending him above? Anyway, some people feel like they're walking on eggshells dealing with LGBT because a few bad apples give them a bad name. You talk about someone being gay, then next thing you know everyones shrieking 'they're not gay they're queer (or insert word of choice) -- how dare you be so ignorant of their gender fluidity etc etc -- don't talk about what you dont know etc. It's a minefield and the wrong move gets you cancelled...
God I love this song. Being a gay Scot like Jimmy Somerville who sings this and having loved it when it was released nearly 40 years ago now, I really enjoyed your reaction. Thanks
This band and their debut album Age Of Consent really changed my life. It helped me accept my sexuality and owned it with my head up. I really identified with this song. The cover of Swedish electro act Emmon is just as impressive. It has the unique distinction of preserving the spirit of the original while updating and dusting it off.
@@iainweller452 Yes it is. There's so many favorites... Strangelove, Behind the Wheel, World through My Eyes....On and On. They are/were being entered into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year. Theres a new generation that needs to be exposed and learn about them.
Another great song from the Album "The Age of Consent" by Bronski Beat where you took out Smalltown Boy is the song "Why" - would like you very much to react to....
I was living in Athens Greece, Hellenikon ABS when this song came out... There was a nightclub in Glyfada, that had dance catwalks and underneath them was a pool of water with water sprays... On the side of the walls, where Alcoves, that people would dance within as well... it was a wild night club... Anyhow, as the only American at this Greek Night Club... when this song would be played, I really got into it, dancing across the catwalks and the like... and at the one part when he sings (at about 59 seconds in your video) I would fall forward off the catwalk and into the pools of water.. then get back onto the catwalk dance floor and continue dancing... the Greeks followed my example and threw themselves as well into the pools :) I even got to meet Jimmy on a few occasions as well too... The 80's... it was a WONDERFUL Time to be a 19yr old!! :)
@@politicallycorrectredskin796 Oh please, when was the last time you heard of an incidence of ‘straight-bashing’? As for people’s attitude to sexuality, well you seem not to have noticed but these days, rightly or wrongly, peeps can’t get enough of hearing about others sexuality. Why do you class LGBT fighting back as ‘hate’?
This is a song I have never been able to listen to without tearing up. The song was released the same year I was born. The song and the album "Age Of Consent", set the Diamond standard of lyrical depth and strong vocal prowess in the context of post Disco dance-oriented music. Lead singer, Jimmy Somerville kept the strong lyrical depth throughout the majority of his solo recordings.
This was the song/video I got to know when I was 12 years old and made me want to move to England. It took me another 15 years to come to the UK and This song still captivates me after all this time...
I love the final scene when he’s got where he wanted to be and he’s with people who love him. I cry every time I watch this video. Mum’s sometimes feel torn between their husband and their children.
I love this song. It is just gorgeous. At 18 I inherited a gay bar. Obviously, I heard this song a lot. I adore the melody. I loathe that the lyrics resonated with so many of the people I knew. I wish I could adopt them all. I have a big table. There is always room here.
I loved Bronski Beat, even as a 7 yr old girl, I knew they were so different and really changed the face of music in the UK/Ireland. I put "Age Of Consent" on my xmas list and was thrilled to receive it! I'd no idea what age of consent meant and the importance of a new band brave enough to take such a risk with their album title. You should check out "Why?" and their cover/remix of "I Feel Love/Johnny Remember me". Jimmy Sommerville later formed "The Communards" with Richard Coles - another brilliant band. Check out the band "Frankie Goes To Hollywood" - their songs are epic - "Relax", "Two Tribes", "The Power Of Love" - they really shocked ppl back then and Relax was banned on BBC....which just kept it at the No.1 selling single for months - and rightly so!
Still an amazing and sad but in the.the 80s being a gay man was a no no thank God some of the world has moved on from them days . It's a shame we still don't get the same good music and videos today
Just gonna say this now, if you enjoy this song you owe it to yourself to listen to the extended version. The lyrics sung over a slow, almost meandering take on the melody that builds until that familiar octave bass bounces in and before you even realise how you got there those Linn Drum snares punch through and off you go. Sublime.
He left home because his dad was mad he lost a fight, He didn't tell them he was gay for fear his dad would have beat him. They will never understand why I had to leave. He kept his secret ran away to be with people like him. My dad was mad and threatened to toss me out when they found out my best friend of 6 years was black. Hanging around her caused the neighbors to talk and he wasn't having that! Imagine if I came out to them then.
Aww Dereck what made you pick this group? Jimmy Somerville came from my city. He has some voice, another favourite of mine is a solo song called ‘Heartbeat’. After Bronski Beat he formed The Communards and had a No’1 hit with ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ another classic!!
@@bobtrouper that is an excellent suggestion. there are so very many good songs by Erasure. I love BB and especially this song...but Erasure! there are times when i have to hear them just to balance out my emotional turmoil, lol.
The song dates back to the 60/70s and still a an extreamly hard time forthe gay comunity in the uk. i being a straight male 69.year old coal miner and lived through these times i recall the prejudices of the times it was never easy for for familys in hard working class comunities to come to terms with the situation, mostly the only way was a parting of the ways, its a lot better these days i have a gay grand son now and pleased that him and his partner live in a relatively safe time but i still worry for him as the prejudices are still out there
Great reaction, you completely understood the story and meaning behind the song. This 37 years ago and sadly its still the experience of many LGBT+ young people. I'll suggest for a friend by Jimmy as well. Most of Bronski Beat and The Communards (Jimmys other Groups) has a strong LGBT theme about experiencing the vile and endemic homophobia of the 80s.
This song saved my life as a teenager growing up in the mid-late 80s. One of Bronski Beats other hits “Why” has the opening lyric “Contempt in your eyes As I turn to kiss his lips Broken I lie All my feelings denied Blood on your fist.” Which they sang live on Top of the Pops in 1984! . In case you’re wondering why the Album was called Age of Consent, it was illegal for men to have sex with men under the age of 21. 16 for straights, 21 for gays. Also, Supermode did a great mashup of Smalltown Boy and Why.
Bronski Beat was One of the first out Gay groups, their first album was nothing but extreme RISE UP and joyful Gay anthems, Smalltown Boy and Why. Bronski and Jimmy on their own and solo continued with songs like this and I feel Love and Hit That Perfect Beat. They were such a blessing to the Gay community in the 80's and 90's. Out loud and proud and with no apologies Bronski, Jimmy, Communards, Alphaville, New Order and Depeche Mode saved a lot of young Gay and Lesbian lives with their unapologetic and pride inducing music. They were a SUPER positive influence on me and my emotional well being. They were, and still are, Pure Joy.
It's incredible, just an incredible song - and that video! It seriously helped me understand gay people's struggle, espcially at that time. One of the most important pop songs of all time, in my opinion.
Many, many - too many of us went through similar situations in the 80s. This song gave us a realisation that we were not alone. It was an important song, but also happened to be catchy enough that it still appealed to a wider audience. Many memories, not all good, but a great song.
An old friend of mine used to run around London with Jimmy in the early '80s.... & from the tales I've heard, that was a very different life to any young gay man in Scotland during the '80s! I'm glad to say most of the baked-into-pretty-much-every-institution homophobia had dissipated by the late '90s, & Scotland these days does not abide any gay-bashing, I'm happy to report. :)
First time watching, love the black background. I watch a lot of music reaction videos and yours by far has been the best. Short, sweet, articulate, focused, in the moment and very present. Too many reactors try too hard to be funny, constantly talk over the video, pause entirely too much, are too long winded or simply inarticulate. Your reaction came across as polished and professional, the others need to take notes
great reaction!!! thank you. my boss crawford, in clip salon in barrhead, had jimmy come in just before catching the train from Glasgow to go film this video, he had a mullet, hair like limahl from kajagoogoo, Crawford thought different, and shaved his head!! lol such a bold move, but the switch between the young gay man and the skinheads that were everywhere it seemed, worked brilliantly! well done crawford, and man, thank you jimmy! groundbreaking. (and life saving for many)
I remember APPRECIATING this song for the first time probably 10-15 years ago at New City Suburburbs in Edmonton AB. Polluted with vodka in a really gay-friendly environment (I'm straight, but everyone is the same to me), it was an amazing atmosphere and I felt like there was more to the song than just being a cool 80's track. I knew it wasn't new to me, but that night really laid it out in plain sight.
Love this song,but I relate to the changes in life. I am 10 years younger and born literally just round the corner from him in Glasgow. Came out in 86 and Glasgow has a vibrant scene now. My partner is his age and like Jimmy moved from Glasgow to London as gay sex was illegal here until 1981.We have come so far.
the underlying message of this song is homohobia. Nobody missed the message because it was the theme of the Bronski's first album, which actually got considerable airplay.
For me the most heartbreaking part was watching him seeing his childhood flashing past, like a whole part of his life and all those cherished early memories, coming to a crashing end as his father refuses his hand and turns away. What a desolate feeling that would be, sitting alone on a train and leaving everything you ever knew behind. At least there was something positive here, with the prospect of a new life in another place, but still it’s sad to watch.
I was just coming to terms with my own sexuality when this song came out. It resonated with an entire generation of young men in the same situation. Still does to this day.
Jimmy Sommerville's parents threw him out when they found out he was gay. He showed them pretty well that he would be OK, but I'm sure he had plenty of hurt.
Hey Derek ! Oups.. You did it again !!! :p This one : Epic, Iconic, so Emotional, so Real : Every gay man could identified in this.... No more no less. Grounding sounds and pionneer in 'song with a message' type of music. Peace & Hugzzz Mr NiceGuy :)
This is a great song. It does indeed conjour up a very difficult time for openly gay people when we were fighting for equal. Right s in The 1980s. One downside on a drunken escapade I slept with Jimmy Somerville the shame... Lol
One of the endlessly great things about this song for me has always been the title, "Smalltown Boy". Glasgow - where Jimmy Somerville grew up - is not a small town, it's a big city. Its population in the 80s was a million strong. What the title really means is "Small-minded-town Boy". Well, at least to me. It taught me a heck of a lot, this track, when I was a young kid. And I am thankful for that to this day.
After 3 big beers, I came out to my dad in 2012. My mom, yes moms knows it. He response ''The family as just terminated''. Since then he has been so nice to me. I wish that to lots of you, me, him, her, everyone who are different but wath is different in those days?
Love the track and your analysis. Bought the album when it first came out and still give it a listen. Would love your take on Alison Moyet, either with Yazoo (Don't Go or Midnight), or solo Is This Love, All Cried Out, This House. Grace Jones 80's albums Warm Leatherette and Nightclubbing have also held up remarkably well.
Songs that tell stories are the best. If you want to hear more story songs you should react to Dolly Parton singing Coat of Many Colors, or I Will Always Love You (the one that Whitney Houston made famous 18 years later).
I get emotional hearing this and this was the reality for most LGBT people back then. It's heartbreaking that a parent would reject you based on who you love. Thankfully at least some of the World has changed since then but not everywhere.
They had some bollocks in 1984 to write and perform this. Very different times. Very brave.
True
The group were all openly gay, It's basically Jimmy Summerville's (the singer) life.
Very true
This song was in part, a part of the fight back against the government’s Clause 28 which restricted local education authorities to discuss issues around homosexuality. This had a double negative impact because the AIDS epidemic. In other words; how can you solve pertinent issues that adversely affect a particular community if one of your institutions can’t discuss that community?
I remember hearing this song when I was young, watching the video on TV and not really understanding why, but I was TRANSFIXED to the screen, I didn't analyze the lyrics, I didn't really understand what was happening in the video but something deep inside me drew me to this, and I KNEW this was something special. Later on of course I made the connections, but I will never forget that feeling, hearing Jimmy's voice and feeling that this was meant for me.
My song loved it. Shout out to New York WLIR of the 1980's I always related to it when I first heard it in my teens.Love you Jimmy and Bronksi Beat.
Heartfelt and sensitive review - thank you
Great reaction, and depth and insight, to an amazing song.
Another classic 80s group. great music 👌 do prefer dont leave me this way 👌
I bought this when it came out.
Bronson Beat
DONT LEAVE ME THIS WAY
This song is a piece of history for gay people ! Luve U Dereck !
SURELY WHEN GEN Z HEAR STUFF LIKE THIS THEY MUST THINK WOW THIS SONG ANNIHILATES THE CORPORATE POP GARBAGE IVE BEEN SPOON FED MY ENTIRE LIFE , MY LIFES NEVER GOING TO BE THE SAME AGAIN !!!
Try the song "Why" by Bronski Beat.
Jimmy Somerville isn't just singing a song and telling A story .. he's telling HIS story.
Exactly
OUR story! spoke for so many at such an important time. thatcher was a bastard.
I thought Thatcher was the right person to be in charge at that time to drive the UK forward, Britain was a nightmare in the 70,s
@@KF-cx8bm Thatcher was a c*nt and should never have been near power. She sat back and let thousands of gay men die of AIDS without lifting a finger and then brought out Section 28 which was an attack on the gay community. Britain was a nightmare in the 70's and an even bigger one in the 80's unless you were well off.
This is the story of so many of the LGBTQQIA+ people... this story keeps on repeating endless times around the world.
I was 14yrs old when this song came out and growing up in a very small town in rural Oklahoma I could personally relate to this song. I was very much aware of my sexuality at the time. The 80's was a difficult time for gay youth. Being at the height of the AIDS epidemic you were easily a target of hate and bigotry. Even if you were just suspected of being gay. I left after graduation and never went back.
I from Oklahoma and grew up in 80s and all I can say is I'm sorry for what you went through. I get it. I hope your life turned out much happier when you left. I know many of my friends in LGBTQ community who moved for same reason. I keep in touch on social media and not one of them would come back. Much love and best wishes
I grew up in the UK and I can relate to your comments. I was targeted and bullied for all of my secondary school years for being a feminine male. It was a living hell each and every day. 🌈
True ! People have no idea how hard it was gay youth in 80s , beaten up , pushed around , laughed at , rocks thrown was the norm
Love and peace Gregorio
Like oologah Oklahoma but perhaps smaller
I remember seeing this video on MTV in 1985 when we first got cable TV... it didn’t get played often but as an introverted 14 year old I was drawn to the hypnotic synths and driving beat. I didn’t know the lyrics but it spoke to me on a deep level and I didn’t know why. I finally realized why it did when I came out 5 years later.
Hard to watch this video since it brings back a lot of painful memories. But in retrospect this song and video was a turning point in my journey of self acceptance at the same time as this song and video was released. Brilliant, powerful and brave statement on Jimmy’s part, I have always loved him, whether it be Bronski Beat, Communards or solo. So glad you chose this Dereck ❤️
Jimmy Somerville is one of the best voices to ever come out of these islands, his range is impeccable.
And still is!! You should watch newer videos of him!!
Always loved his falsetto! So different and unique. Amazing.
agree - his lower notes are if anything more impressive than the high
@@manlikecheerio I can't stand falsetto voices, counter tenors, etc. Jimmy Sommerville is the only one I can listen to and enjoy. His voice is in a class of it's own, powerful, expressive and totally unique.
He is great but Freddie was one of a kind
This song is an iconic piece of LGBT history here in the UK. For those of a certain age, this song is loaded with nostalgia and the memories of that time come flooding back within the first two bars of the music. It certainly does stand the test of time and is as relevant today as it was back then. The main riff was used in a club track a few years ago (together with another sample from Bronski Beat's 'Why?' (another great track)). The club track is pretty damn good too! Have just discovered your reactions,and am thoroughly enjoying them! Looking forward to more.....Here's a link to that dance track,for anyone interested.....
ruclips.net/video/j4D1zHPBBQY/видео.html
Being one of those of a certain age myself, I went through this in a small town (hiding crushes and faking "normal"). When I moved to Seattle for college I found and nervously bought this record wondering if the clerk know I was gay because of it or even cared. Difficult period.
absolutely,bro
As with Relax though it was also just a great record which was popular just based on music and performance.
@@starry2006 but it left a meaningful message in the hearts of many ones like me
Not gay but love this track
being gay or not this song and video must be observed as pure emotion
I was a pudgy, nerdy, artsy boy in a rural New England town. Bullied, beaten up, alienated. Totally straight and I relate to this song on a visceral level. Still brings me to tears. It is by and for gay folks but anyone with empathy and compassion, who has felt alienation and abuse can connect with this beautiful song
Es gay...pero su talento es lo importante! muy buen tema, la mejor época !! y está de vuelta!! 😁👍
OMG, OMG!!! I wasn’t even born, heard it in my teens when I came out. I knew I wasn’t alone. 🏳️🌈
i've been around a bit and seen some stuff and you are not alone. and also, there are allies out there. find the people that love and support you. sometimes chosen family is better than blood.
Came out of what?
@@kanervatie JERK...
I really hope your family supported you like we did our daughter couldn't be more proud of her plus I got to be in the pride parade bonus
Always makes me cry ! check out the film "Pride" about the miners strike in NE England where the LGBT community supported the Miners and put on a concert at The Camden Palace called " Pits & Perverts" and Jimmy Somerville headlined the concert - Great Film !!
ooh! will try to check that out. thanks for sharing!
Pride is a great film, well worth seeing. But the miners strike was across the UK not just in NE England, and the film focuses on London’s LGBT community and a Welsh mining community.
The pit the LGBT group adopted was in the South Wales valleys, but yep, ggrrreat film (apart from some of the Welsh accents ! )👍
It got me this time. I didn't remember him being beaten up!
I used to work in the Camden Palace in the 80s! Late 80s. Xx
“The love that you need will never be found at home.” 👏👏👏💁🏻♂️
So sad.
This channel is kinda awesome. Thank you for your humanity....and your empathy....You are a good man. We need more of this these days.
I’m hetro and l think this is amazing story telling. It always feels good to see him leave with a couple of mates. He would have found acceptance in the cities gay community. The problem with homophobs is they can’t get past the Sex stuff. They don’t think about the love that the 2 people have for each other.
I grew up in the 80s and this is my coming out song. I love jimmy Somerville but this song always reminds me of coming out, being chased by a gun, running interstate to start my life. Very heavy emotions.
Being chased by a gun?!
I just, I don't even have the words. I simply am sincerely sorry. I don't care who you are, NO ONE deserves living in fear and being chased out of the very person you are.
I can't listen to this song without being hypnotized and torn at the same time. All my love to you and you and you also ❤️
No matter how many times I hear this song it gives me chills.. Jimmy is so cute and has one of the best voices ever....
The parents being more upset finding out their son is gay rather than being upset at him being beaten up.
I was there! This song speaks to my own experience. But even though Bronski Beat is the original, I prefer the version by Paradise Lost.
Unfortunately it's very common among conservative people, they have a strange sense of priority.
@@enriquesanchez9016 Not really....stop with the partisanship divide please. We've had enough of that with this lockdown don't ya think? Ugh!
@@jankypop-a-matic58 Oh please, we all know that conservatives are the ones opposed to gay rights, don't play dumb, you know it's true. It's conservative political parties who are doing everything they can to oppose LGBT rights.
@@enriquesanchez9016 That's your true colors right there buddy! Your "indoctrinated" true colors rather. Try to think outside of the box for a change. Bad behavior like those parents comes in all colors, fashions and political affiliations. It's not a F'n political thing! Partisan politics is for the MSM brainwashed masses as far as I'm concerned...
I think you should be brave enough to say "gay". I appreciate the fact that you are listening to these songs, but try and be forthright and use non-vague terminology.
"something no-one should have to go through". Non-vague enough for you?
You can't put words in his mouth. He detailed his understanding of it Well enough
@@annother3350 it was too vague for me.
@@chaipup7045 I thought you were defending him above? Anyway, some people feel like they're walking on eggshells dealing with LGBT because a few bad apples give them a bad name. You talk about someone being gay, then next thing you know everyones shrieking 'they're not gay they're queer (or insert word of choice) -- how dare you be so ignorant of their gender fluidity etc etc -- don't talk about what you dont know etc. It's a minefield and the wrong move gets you cancelled...
What's vague about getting your head kicked in by a gang of closeted thugs?
Iconic song.
An expression of bravery and overcoming your fears
Thank you
God I love this song. Being a gay Scot like Jimmy Somerville who sings this and having loved it when it was released nearly 40 years ago now, I really enjoyed your reaction. Thanks
This band and their debut album Age Of Consent really changed my life. It helped me accept my sexuality and owned it with my head up. I really identified with this song. The cover of Swedish electro act Emmon is just as impressive. It has the unique distinction of preserving the spirit of the original while updating and dusting it off.
I like your choices..... I don't know how old you are but these are the modern classics. NEW SUBSCRIBER . How about Depeche Mode.
WHY NOT? Depeche Mode “Enjoy the Silence” is a masterpiece
@@iainweller452 Yes it is. There's so many favorites... Strangelove, Behind the Wheel, World through My Eyes....On and On. They are/were being entered into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year. Theres a new generation that needs to be exposed and learn about them.
Another great song from the Album "The Age of Consent" by Bronski Beat where you took out Smalltown Boy is the song "Why" - would like you very much to react to....
I was living in Athens Greece, Hellenikon ABS when this song came out...
There was a nightclub in Glyfada, that had dance catwalks and underneath them was a pool of water with water sprays... On the side of the walls, where Alcoves, that people would dance within as well... it was a wild night club...
Anyhow, as the only American at this Greek Night Club... when this song would be played, I really got into it, dancing across the catwalks and the like... and at the one part when he sings (at about 59 seconds in your video) I would fall forward off the catwalk and into the pools of water.. then get back onto the catwalk dance floor and continue dancing... the Greeks followed my example and threw themselves as well into the pools :)
I even got to meet Jimmy on a few occasions as well too...
The 80's... it was a WONDERFUL Time to be a 19yr old!! :)
Wow, sounds like a pretty rockin' club to lose your mind in! 🥳 🕺💃 🎶 🎹 🎸 💦
Sadly this is also my story. Scotland in the 80s was so gay hating.
True dat.
Amazing how much that dissipated by the late '90s tho. Scotland is shockingly accepting these days, I'm happy to report! :)
Thatcher didn't help 😣
It's amazing that nearly 40 years later.. these problems still exist.
Most people think sexuality should be private, not something to talk about constantly. All the hate is going the other way.
@@politicallycorrectredskin796 Oh please, when was the last time you heard of an incidence of ‘straight-bashing’? As for people’s attitude to sexuality, well you seem not to have noticed but these days, rightly or wrongly, peeps can’t get enough of hearing about others sexuality.
Why do you class LGBT fighting back as ‘hate’?
This is a song I have never been able to listen to without tearing up. The song was released the same year I was born. The song and the album "Age Of Consent", set the Diamond standard of lyrical depth and strong vocal prowess in the context of post Disco dance-oriented music. Lead singer, Jimmy Somerville kept the strong lyrical depth throughout the majority of his solo recordings.
This was the song/video I got to know when I was 12 years old and made me want to move to England. It took me another 15 years to come to the UK and This song still captivates me after all this time...
He's from Scotland.
I'm glad you enjoyed this Masterpiece from the 80's. It was an anthem for a lot of people.
His voice is crazy good
I love the final scene when he’s got where he wanted to be and he’s with people who love him.
I cry every time I watch this video. Mum’s sometimes feel torn between their husband and their children.
That last scene really gets me too. i always tear up a bit.
i was 16 when this song came out. it hits me just has hard now as it did then. it also helped give me the courage to leave home for good a year later.
3 years it took me. 17... out the door.
I love this song. It is just gorgeous.
At 18 I inherited a gay bar. Obviously, I heard this song a lot. I adore the melody. I loathe that the lyrics resonated with so many of the people I knew. I wish I could adopt them all. I have a big table. There is always room here.
Please react to some Ace of Base (All That She Wants, Beautiful Life, Cruel Summer U.S. version or The Sign)!
He's not just super talented but a genuinely nice guy. I love his energy.
The words that seem to be outside your vocabulary are "gay" and "homophobia".
I loved Bronski Beat, even as a 7 yr old girl, I knew they were so different and really changed the face of music in the UK/Ireland. I put "Age Of Consent" on my xmas list and was thrilled to receive it! I'd no idea what age of consent meant and the importance of a new band brave enough to take such a risk with their album title. You should check out "Why?" and their cover/remix of "I Feel Love/Johnny Remember me". Jimmy Sommerville later formed "The Communards" with Richard Coles - another brilliant band. Check out the band "Frankie Goes To Hollywood" - their songs are epic - "Relax", "Two Tribes", "The Power Of Love" - they really shocked ppl back then and Relax was banned on BBC....which just kept it at the No.1 selling single for months - and rightly so!
Still an amazing and sad but in the.the 80s being a gay man was a no no thank God some of the world has moved on from them days . It's a shame we still don't get the same good music and videos today
Tell me why is a another bronski beat song that’s great and was a decent hit
Do check out The Communards Jimmy's band after Bronski Beat, I think you will like them!!
Just gonna say this now, if you enjoy this song you owe it to yourself to listen to the extended version. The lyrics sung over a slow, almost meandering take on the melody that builds until that familiar octave bass bounces in and before you even realise how you got there those Linn Drum snares punch through and off you go. Sublime.
Ended up here because I was watching the movie 'Pride' and this band are tangentially involved in events portrayed within
He left home because his dad was mad he lost a fight, He didn't tell them he was gay for fear his dad would have beat him. They will never understand why I had to leave. He kept his secret ran away to be with people like him. My dad was mad and threatened to toss me out when they found out my best friend of 6 years was black. Hanging around her caused the neighbors to talk and he wasn't having that! Imagine if I came out to them then.
I never noticed that angle before
@@LeeWright337W You have to have that kind of father I guess, lucky me!
Aww Dereck what made you pick this group? Jimmy Somerville came from my city.
He has some voice, another favourite of mine is a solo song called ‘Heartbeat’.
After Bronski Beat he formed The Communards and had a No’1 hit with ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ another classic!!
Ps check out Erasure ‘Drama’! For synth heaven!
@@bobtrouper that is an excellent suggestion. there are so very many good songs by Erasure. I love BB and especially this song...but Erasure! there are times when i have to hear them just to balance out my emotional turmoil, lol.
The song dates back to the 60/70s and still a an extreamly hard time forthe gay comunity in the uk. i being a straight male 69.year old coal miner and lived through these times i recall the prejudices of the times it was never easy for for familys in hard working class comunities to come to terms with the situation, mostly the only way was a parting of the ways, its a lot better these days i have a gay grand son now and pleased that him and his partner live in a relatively safe time but i still worry for him as the prejudices are still out there
Still makes me cry. Shows how things where back then 😢
Great reaction, you completely understood the story and meaning behind the song. This 37 years ago and sadly its still the experience of many LGBT+ young people. I'll suggest for a friend by Jimmy as well. Most of Bronski Beat and The Communards (Jimmys other Groups) has a strong LGBT theme about experiencing the vile and endemic homophobia of the 80s.
This song saved my life as a teenager growing up in the mid-late 80s.
One of Bronski Beats other hits “Why” has the opening lyric “Contempt in your eyes
As I turn to kiss his lips
Broken I lie
All my feelings denied
Blood on your fist.”
Which they sang live on Top of the Pops in 1984!
.
In case you’re wondering why the Album was called Age of Consent, it was illegal for men to have sex with men under the age of 21. 16 for straights, 21 for gays.
Also, Supermode did a great mashup of Smalltown Boy and Why.
Suggestion: react to Annie Lennox "why?"
YES!!!! Pretty pleaseee :)
This song is pure brilliance...his story told so powerfully
The story is very much a part of reality
Bronski Beat was One of the first out Gay groups, their first album was nothing but extreme RISE UP and joyful Gay anthems, Smalltown Boy and Why. Bronski and Jimmy on their own and solo continued with songs like this and I feel Love and Hit That Perfect Beat. They were such a blessing to the Gay community in the 80's and 90's. Out loud and proud and with no apologies Bronski, Jimmy, Communards, Alphaville, New Order and Depeche Mode saved a lot of young Gay and Lesbian lives with their unapologetic and pride inducing music. They were a SUPER positive influence on me and my emotional well being. They were, and still are, Pure Joy.
It's incredible, just an incredible song - and that video! It seriously helped me understand gay people's struggle, espcially at that time. One of the most important pop songs of all time, in my opinion.
YES!!! Such a great song, powerful. There's a video from few years ago of lead singer Jimmy Somerville singing this and he still sounds amazing!
Being the parents of a gay daughter makes us proud and we love her very much also got to March in gay pride bonus
Jimmy Sommerville also sang with the Communards and had some great songs with this band.
@Marvin Morawski Same here, a brilliant emotional song one of the best ballads of the '80s. Cool video, worth a reaction too.
Many, many - too many of us went through similar situations in the 80s. This song gave us a realisation that we were not alone. It was an important song, but also happened to be catchy enough that it still appealed to a wider audience. Many memories, not all good, but a great song.
An old friend of mine used to run around London with Jimmy in the early '80s.... & from the tales I've heard, that was a very different life to any young gay man in Scotland during the '80s! I'm glad to say most of the baked-into-pretty-much-every-institution homophobia had dissipated by the late '90s, & Scotland these days does not abide any gay-bashing, I'm happy to report. :)
No they have gone too far where a man rape a woman and dress as one and go to a woman’s prison….got to love the SNP
First time watching, love the black background. I watch a lot of music reaction videos and yours by far has been the best. Short, sweet, articulate, focused, in the moment and very present. Too many reactors try too hard to be funny, constantly talk over the video, pause entirely too much, are too long winded or simply inarticulate. Your reaction came across as polished and professional, the others need to take notes
Thank you! ❤️
Haunting and brave. I'm heterosexual and it appalls me when I see such bigotry. Littering is offensive. Drunk driving is reprehensible. Love isn't.
The 80's. You have no idea.
They were shit.
Him eating an apple and his mate then taking a bite of the same apple. This was a big fuck you to AIDS fright.... Greetings from the USA.
great reaction!!! thank you. my boss crawford, in clip salon in barrhead, had jimmy come in just before catching the train from Glasgow to go film this video, he had a mullet, hair like limahl from kajagoogoo, Crawford thought different, and shaved his head!! lol such a bold move, but the switch between the young gay man and the skinheads that were everywhere it seemed, worked brilliantly! well done crawford, and man, thank you jimmy! groundbreaking. (and life saving for many)
This is a very important song from a shitty time in the UK. Read up on Thatcher's Clause 28 and then think about what's happening now in the USA.
I remember APPRECIATING this song for the first time probably 10-15 years ago at New City Suburburbs in Edmonton AB. Polluted with vodka in a really gay-friendly environment (I'm straight, but everyone is the same to me), it was an amazing atmosphere and I felt like there was more to the song than just being a cool 80's track. I knew it wasn't new to me, but that night really laid it out in plain sight.
Love this song,but I relate to the changes in life. I am 10 years younger and born literally just round the corner from him in Glasgow. Came out in 86 and Glasgow has a vibrant scene now. My partner is his age and like Jimmy moved from Glasgow to London as gay sex was illegal here until 1981.We have come so far.
The sadness of my youth, and the power of the music of the 80s.
Amazing song and video. Great reaction. 👍🏼 Please react to Erasure’s ‘Chains of Love ‘A little Respect’ ‘Love To Hate You’ etc...🙏🏼
the underlying message of this song is homohobia. Nobody missed the message because it was the theme of the Bronski's first album, which actually got considerable airplay.
For me the most heartbreaking part was watching him seeing his childhood flashing past, like a whole part of his life and all those cherished early memories, coming to a crashing end as his father refuses his hand and turns away. What a desolate feeling that would be, sitting alone on a train and leaving everything you ever knew behind. At least there was something positive here, with the prospect of a new life in another place, but still it’s sad to watch.
Beautiful analysis there
Jimmy Somerville voice is amazing and that's song is a masterpiece
I was just coming to terms with my own sexuality when this song came out. It resonated with an entire generation of young men in the same situation. Still does to this day.
Jimmy Sommerville's parents threw him out when they found out he was gay. He showed them pretty well that he would be OK, but I'm sure he had plenty of hurt.
A sad song about being gay and not being able to exist in the conservative lifestyle. The vocals evoke a deep sadness and wanting to belong.
Hey Derek ! Oups.. You did it again !!! :p This one : Epic, Iconic, so Emotional, so Real : Every gay man could identified in this.... No more no less. Grounding sounds and pionneer in 'song with a message' type of music. Peace & Hugzzz Mr NiceGuy :)
That beautiful high pitch luv his voice gay mantra im straight but went to gay bars to dance and part too much fun miss it😅
Follow Jimmy Somerville from Bronski Beat, to Communards and then his solo stuff.
This is a great song. It does indeed conjour up a very difficult time for openly gay people when we were fighting for equal. Right s in
The 1980s. One downside on a drunken escapade I slept with Jimmy Somerville the shame... Lol
Jimmy Somerville had and still has the voice of an angle.
And acute ass?
What angle 360 degrees
No matter what our moms always understand our feelings this is one of those 80's song that help me come out of the closet as a gay male
One of the endlessly great things about this song for me has always been the title, "Smalltown Boy". Glasgow - where Jimmy Somerville grew up - is not a small town, it's a big city. Its population in the 80s was a million strong. What the title really means is "Small-minded-town Boy". Well, at least to me.
It taught me a heck of a lot, this track, when I was a young kid. And I am thankful for that to this day.
After 3 big beers, I came out to my dad in 2012. My mom, yes moms knows it. He response ''The family as just terminated''. Since then he has been so nice to me. I wish that to lots of you, me, him, her, everyone who are different but wath is different in those days?
Awesome and iconic song.
For some more fun/up-tempo Bronski Beat, you should try 'Hit That Perfect Beat'.
Love the track and your analysis. Bought the album when it first came out and still give it a listen. Would love your take on Alison Moyet, either with Yazoo (Don't Go or Midnight), or solo Is This Love, All Cried Out, This House. Grace Jones 80's albums Warm Leatherette and Nightclubbing have also held up remarkably well.
That's one of the million reasons I love the 80s, Videos like this - telling stories. I love this song and this video!
Wow, a young guy who's articulate and interesting. Good work, sir, new subscriber here. Cheers.
Songs that tell stories are the best. If you want to hear more story songs you should react to Dolly Parton singing Coat of Many Colors, or I Will Always Love You (the one that Whitney Houston made famous 18 years later).
That singer " September " sampled this song the intro on her song, not gonna cry for you. Yeah, she sampled him. Lol
Best explanation of this song that I've seen.
For deceptively cheerful tune. Orchestral maneuvers in the Dark did a stellar job on Enola Gay. The name of the plane that dropped the atomic bomb.
I can't listen to it. So sad.
I get emotional hearing this and this was the reality for most LGBT people back then. It's heartbreaking that a parent would reject you based on who you love. Thankfully at least some of the World has changed since then but not everywhere.