Sam Smith re-records ‘Stay With Me’ for its 10th anniversary

Sam Smith has re-recorded ‘Stay With Me’ as part of a re-release of their debut album In The Lonely Hour, set to come out on August 2.

The singer-songwriter recently revealed that they would re-record the album from the ground up to mark its 10 year anniversary.

In a letter to their fans, they also stated that their breakout hit ‘Stay With Me’ would also be re-written to reflect their non-binary identity, saying: “When me, Jimmy and Tourist wrote this song, none of us would’ve expected it to become what it has in the world. I will never forget Will (Tourist) playing those three chords on the piano.

In The Lonely Hour (10th Anniversary Edition)
This year marks a decade since the release of my debut album. I feel so incredibly lucky to be celebrating this milestone with you. My team and I have created this beautiful anniversary edition for us all, and for the last 10 years.… pic.twitter.com/46VVpFF4sU

— SAM SMITH (@samsmith) June 12, 2024

“I stopped everything I was doing and said ‘what is that’. Those chords and this song still stir me in the same way to this day. I’ve never once got sick of singing it.

“The meaning of this song changes for me whenever I sing it,” they continued. “The words ‘Stay With Me’ can mean a million different things and follow me throughout my life like an old friend.”

Since coming out as non-binary in 2019, Smith has been performing a reworked version of the track, switching the lyrics “I’m just a man” for “baby understand” – those changes should be reflected in the new re-recording.

“It felt really important to me,” the singer concluded. “It’s beautiful to know that sometimes, we can change the past.”