Lay Me Down

“Lay Me Down’ is a sad song, about losing someone and expressing how much you miss them. The controversial music video was filmed at the parish church of St. Margaret, Lee outside London. The video finds Smith performing in front of what appears to be a mournful funeral but turns out to be a joyous gay marriage. The end of the video shows that Smith was just remembering how it all happened, marriage and death of his partner in the same church. In an interview with Rolling Stones, Smith said: “Obviously gay marriage isn’t legal in churches, and we’re doing a gay marriage today, in the church. We’re the first ever to do it. It’s obviously not a real marriage, but still.” He then added: “The priest just said to us, ‘We’re going against the rules by doing this today,’ which I thought was a lovely element in the video.

“Going to the church today, it’s like, this is the first time we’ve let people with big noses in.’ That’s the equivalent to me. I’m walking in, I’m going, ‘Why? Why are a man and a man not allowed to get married in this room?’ Because it’s the most natural thing.” In another interview Sam said: “With this video myself and Ryan Hope the director have decided to make a statement and showcase something we passionately believe in.”

The third release featured John Legend in a new video showing the latter playing the piano and singing while Smith on the Mic in a recording studio. It was released on Red Nose Day (March 9, 2015) as a charity single and all revenues from this single to benefit the charity.

Release date

First release February 15, 2013 – Re-release Februay 22, 2015 – Red Nose Day 2015 release was on March 9, 2015

Songwriter/s

Sam Smith – Jimmy Napes – Elvin Smith

Label

Capitol – Capitol

Chart Rankings

US – 8

UK – 1

GERMANY  – 1

The single topped the charts in the UK and Scotland. The British Phonographic Industry certified it Gold with sales over 400.00 copies. The Recording Industry Association of America certified it double Platinum for sales over2 million copies. ‘Lay Me Down’ peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was in the top 10 charts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Belgium and Ireland.

Artist’s age on release date

Sam Smith was 22 years, John Legend was 36 years old when they released this song.

Cover Versions

Amateur artists covered ‘Lay Me Down’ on YouTube.