Sexuality (Billy Bragg song)

"Sexuality" is the ninth track on Billy Bragg's 1991 album, Don't Try This at Home. The song was released as a single which reached No. 27 on the UK charts and No. 2 on the U.S. alternative charts.

"Sexuality"
Single by Billy Bragg
from the album Don't Try This at Home
ReleasedSeptember 17, 1991
GenreFolk rock
Length3:47
LabelElektra
Songwriter(s)Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr
Producer(s)Grant Showbiz, Johnny Marr
Billy Bragg singles chronology
"She's Got a New Spell"
(1988)
"Sexuality"
(1991)
"You Woke Up My Neighbourhood"
(1991)
Music video
"Sexuality" (Official Video) on YouTube

"Sexuality" is an anti-homophobia and generally sex-positive song. It was written by Bragg with Johnny Marr, who also plays guitar on the recording. The music video, which was conceived and directed by comedian Phill Jupitus, features Kirsty MacColl singing backing vocals as well as Jupitus himself.[1]

Jupitus has also performed, with Bragg, a parody version of this song named "Bestiality".[2] In November 2021, Bragg created a re-worded version of the song to reflect support for transgender rights.[3]

Critical reception

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Upon its release, David Quantick of NME described "Sexuality" as "the funniest and most determined record of the week" and noted the "straightforward and spunky melody". He added, "Bragg goes on marvellously with an absurd storm of rhymes, football teams and paeans to doing it with people of all sexes."[4]

Personnel

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Chart positions

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Chart (1991) Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC)[5] 27
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[6] 2

References

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  1. ^ Duff, Oliver (14 November 2005). "Phill Jupitus: My Life In Media". The Independent. London. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
  2. ^ Phil Jupitus & Billy Bragg – Bestiality @ The Hammersmith Apollo. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  3. ^ Moore, Sam (12 November 2021). "Billy Bragg changes lyrics to song in support of transgender people". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-07-09. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  4. ^ Quantick, David (29 June 1991). "Singles". New Musical Express. p. 18.
  5. ^ "Billy Bragg: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  6. ^ "Billy Bragg Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
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