Why ?

“Why?” is the opening track and second single from synthpop trio Bronski Beat’s debut LP, The Age of Consent. The song, an up-tempo synth-pop track that’s been classified as Hi-NRG, berates society for its homophobia. Upon its release, the song went to the top 10 throughout Europe, although it failed to attain the same success as the group’s first single, “Smalltown Boy.” Like their first single, “Why?” is now a gay anthem.

Why ? Lyrics Bronski Beat From The Album The Age of Consent (1984) Bronski Beat [Intro] Tell me why Tell me why [Verse 1] Contempt in your eyes when I turn to kiss his lips Broken I lie, all my feelings denied, blood on your fist [Chorus] Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? [Interlude] Ooh! [Verse 2] You in your false securities tear up my life, condemning me Name me an illness, call me a sin, never feel guilty, never give in [Chorus] Tell me why? Tell me why? Tell me why? Tell me why? Yeah! [Interlude] Aah! [Bridge] You and me together, fighting for our love You and me together, fighting for our love You and me together, fighting for our love You and me together, fighting for our love You and me together, fighting for our love You and me together, fighting for our love You and me together, fighting for our love You and me together, fighting for our love [Interlude] Ooh! [Verse 3] Contempt in your eyes when I turn to kiss his lips Broken I lie, all my feelings denied, blood on your fist [Chorus] Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why? Produced By Mike Thorne Written By Larry Steinbachek, Jimmy Somerville & Steve Bronski Label London Records Ltd. Recorded At RPM Studios, NYC Release Date September 1984