Released 1984 Label London Records | Format 7"
12" | |
Genre Synthpop
new wave
Hi-NRG Length 4:04 (album version)
3:55 (7" version)
7:46 (12" version)
5:11 (12" version, remixed by Steve Bronski & Larry Steinbachek)
6:19 (remix) Writer(s) Steve Bronski, Jimmy Somerville, Larry Steinbachek | ||
"Why?" is a single by British synthpop trio Bronski Beat and appeared on their 1984 album The Age of Consent.
Contents
The song, recorded at RPM Studios, NYC and mixed at Townhouse Studio, London, pursued an energetic musical formula, while the lyrics focused more centrally on anti-gay prejudice. The song opens with a questioning vocal by frontman and vocalist Jimmy Somerville and the shattering of breaking glass. It was the trio's second Top 10 success in the UK, throughout Europe and in Australia and is today considered a popular gay anthem.
Single cover
The drawing for the single cover, of a man with his head in his hands, was drawn for the band by Glasgow artist Robert McAulay, who was associated with the band at the time.
Cover versions
In media
The song was utilized as a soundtrack by Peugeot for French language advertisements of the Peugeot 205 hatchback range. The recording itself was in English. "Why?" was also featured in the soundtrack of the 1986 Bill Sherwood sleeper hit film Parting Glances starring John Bolger. It was featured in the soundtrack of the 2014 film Pride.