In Sam Smith's gorgeous new video for "Lay Me Down," a single from his debut album, marriage equality for all is still but a dream.
"This song holds a very dear place in my heart," Smith wrote in a Youtube comment (opens in new tab). "With this video myself and Ryan Hope the director have decided to make a statement and showcase something we passionately believe in."
"This video shows my dreams that one day gay men and women and transgendered men and women all over the world, like all our straight families and friends, will be able to get married under any roof, in any city, in any town, in any village, in any country."
Visually, that hope looks like a funereal church scene in which everyone in the pews is dressed like the cast of American Horror Story: Coven. One quick costume change later into what looks like BHLDN's entire spring collection, and the singer himself gets married.
Smith is scheduled to perform a duet with Mary J. Blige at Sunday's Grammy Awards, during which we wouldn't be too terribly surprised to see some sort of unannounced Madonna-Macklemore-ish reenactment of the footage below. And why not? It's too good not to happen IRL—all of it.
You should also check out:
Watch Sam Smith Perform #Flawless Beyoncé Karaoke (opens in new tab)
Sam Smith Will Sing the New James Bond Theme (opens in new tab)
Sam Smith Brought Lady Gaga to Tears and Now We Know Why (opens in new tab)
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
A Celebrity Colorist Explains Why You Should Always Wash Your Hair After Coloring It
Every color needs a good cleanse.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Lizzo's Game-Changing Eyebrow Hack Is About to Revamp Your Makeup Routine
She also gave us a peek inside her makeup bag.
By Samantha Holender
-
This Is the Only Dry Shampoo That Makes My Hair Feel Clean—Not Crunchy
Bonus: It’s only $8 per bottle.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
The 21 Best Album Releases of 2022 (So Far)
Get your headphones out.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 50 Best Love Songs of All Time
The best, most romantic love songs ever written, spanning every genre.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
4 Best Sad Songs of 2022 to Play When You're in Your Feels
New songs from Maren Morris, Iann Dior, and more.
By Marie Claire
-
5 Best Love Songs of 2022 (So Far)
Raise your hand if you're very much here for the Avril Lavigne renaissance!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 16 Best Sad Songs of 2021 to Play When You're Feeling Down
Not me still listening to "Drivers License" on repeat!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 31 Best Love Songs of 2021
"I still burn for you." —Avril Lavigne and also Daphne Bridgerton.
By Rachel Epstein
-
16 Gifts Any Music Lover Will Be Obsessed With
AirPods beanies? Say less.
By Rachel Epstein