Some Lyrics are Brilliant

I’m very late to the Sam Smith fan-train, but I’ve been obsessing over his album lately. In particular, ‘Stay With Me’ has gotten more eerily beautiful the more I listen to it. At first, I liked the song for its melody and the singing. When I actually listened to the lyrics, I realized just how concise and masterful the writing was. I just had to blog about it. So let’s dissect.

The lyrics are simple. Quick. He tells so much of a story with so little words. The principles of getting in as fast as possible and getting out even faster applies here. We open on a man convincing a woman not to leave. She isn’t his lover. She’s a fling, but he needs her to stay because of his inconsolable heartbreak.

I love how song lyrics are conversational. I love how they tell you something directly, yet at the same time, not explicitly. I love even more how it taps into your emotions regardless if you’ve been in the same situation or not. In effect, my realization today is that music makes for good copywriting. Sam Smith told a wonderfully crafted story. I want to, one day, be able to do the same.

And then after I’ve mastered that, I’ll work on sounding as good as him.

—

[Verse 1:]
Guess it’s true, I’m not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love ’cause I’m just a man
These nights never seem to go to plan
I don’t want you to leave, will you hold my hand?

[Chorus:]
Oh, won’t you stay with me?
‘Cause you’re all I need
This ain’t love, it’s clear to see
But darling, stay with me

[Verse 2:]
Why am I so emotional?
No, it’s not a good look, gain some self-control
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt

[Chorus 3x]