Sam Smith and the Gender-Nonconforming Story in the MV “Lay Me Down”

Sam Smith and the Gay Love Story in the MV “Lay Me Down”

In 2015, Sam Smith officially released his controversial ballad hit “Lay Me Down,” with a gay-themed storyline that sparked intense debate in many countries. The MV’s narrative centers on Sam Smith marrying his boyfriend in a church.

The video was filmed at St. Margaret’s Church, Lee, outside of London. Sam Smith and director Ryan Hope intended for the MV to be a statement on their shared belief that “love has no gender,” shown through the wedding scene where friends and family smile in support of the gay marriage. Sam expressed, “This song holds a very special place in my heart. With this video, director Ryan Hope and I decided to make a statement and represent something we both strongly believe in — that love has no boundaries.”

The Familiar Loss

A deeper look into “Lay Me Down” shows it opens with a somber scene in a church as Sam Smith attends a funeral. The mood is bleak, with attendees dressed in black, reflecting a quiet, still atmosphere. As Sam begins to sing, “Yes, I do, I believe,” “That one day I will be,” “Right next to you,” his words reveal his internal dialogue, addressing his deceased lover at the funeral. The line “The days just seem so dark” portrays the profound pain of losing a love and the inevitable sadness of separation. This imagery of mourning is universally relatable, capturing the sadness and emptiness that follow the loss of a loved one.

The Happy Past

The MV then shifts to a wedding scene where Sam Smith and his lover stand before a priest to complete the ceremony, marking them as official partners. This scene shows a flashback to happier times before the funeral, portraying the joy Sam once felt in love and the bliss of being united with his partner. Sam Smith uses this moment to express his hope that everyone deserves a life partner, a future where same-sex love is accepted freely without societal prejudice. The scene also highlights the need to cherish love fully, as loss can come unexpectedly.

Growing Through Pain

After portraying both loss and past happiness, the final scene in the MV returns to the church, though now with an atmosphere that feels strangely subdued — neither dark with sorrow nor vibrant with wedding celebration. This setting reflects Sam Smith’s journey of emotional “healing,” as he quietly asks, “Can I lay by your side?” with a soft smile, signaling that he has accepted his lover’s passing and the pain of loss, and is ready to move forward. This line is meant to commemorate his partner, expressing that, no matter what, their memory will live on in his heart — a love that endures.

Sam Smith’s Message

“Lay Me Down” is not just a story of love and loss; it is a declaration from Sam Smith about same-sex relationships — that they too deserve love and acceptance, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

This MV elevated Sam Smith’s career to new heights. He achieved major wins at the 2015 Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year with “Stay With Me,” Best Pop Vocal Album for In the Lonely Hour, and Best New Artist.