When listening to Sam Smith’s song “Stay With Me,” one is torn between weeping for days at his loneliness or scoffing at his desperation to make a one-night stand stay the night. His song speaks to the “hookup culture,” something many of us have experienced. Smith points out that it’s not the best decision, because you’re still going to be lonely in the morning, even if they do stay the night.
“Stay With Me” is a nice change of pace compared to the overly-peppy pop music played nonstop on the radio. The beginning chords of the piano solo are beautiful, and the addition of a choir during the chorus makes the song that much more powerful. The raw emotion behind the lyrics hits a chord with everyone who has ever had a bad break-up, or ever just felt so lonely all they craved was human companionship.
Smith knows it’s wrong to ask his lover to stay, but he can’t help it; his loneliness compels him to. The best part of the song is when he says, “this ain’t love, it’s clear to see.” Here, Smith conveys his full understanding that a future with this girl is non-existentand that is not even what he is asking for. Sometimes all people need is company, even if it does not last forever.
While Smith’s voice is soothing, listeners can still hear the emotional impact of the lyrics as he sings; he sells it completely. Smith makes you feel what he’s feeling, even if you never experienced a one-night stand yourself. He sings beautifully and exposes a vulnerability the stereotypical, strong-and-silent men do not usually express.
It’s rare these days for a popular song to make listeners feel something. Hopefully, Sam Smith will continue the streak of deep meaningful singles.