Stay with Me (Sam Smith song)

Composition and credits

The track blends pop and soul influences with a strong gospel sensibility, featuring piano, backing choir harmonies and a restrained production that foregrounds Smith's voice. It was written by Sam Smith together with James Napier and William Phillips. The song's melodic simplicity and repetitive, hymn‑like chorus contributed to its wide recognition and radio appeal.

Release, reception and awards

Upon release, "Stay with Me" became a commercial breakthrough for Smith, receiving widespread airplay and chart success across multiple countries. Critics praised the song's vocal performance and emotional directness. It earned major industry recognition and won multiple awards, including several Grammy Awards that highlighted its songwriting and recording.

Songwriting credit dispute

Shortly after the song's success, its chorus was compared to the melody of Tom Petty's song "I Won't Back Down." Following discussions, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne were later added to the songwriting credits; the change acknowledged melodic similarities and allocated co‑writing recognition. See more on Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne for background on the earlier song and its authorship.

Legacy and notable facts

"Stay with Me" helped establish Sam Smith as a mainstream artist and became one of the defining ballads of the mid‑2010s. It is frequently covered and performed live, and its simple, choir‑driven arrangement has been cited as a key factor in its emotional impact. The song is often discussed in the context of contemporary pop songs that draw on gospel and soul traditions; for more on that musical lineage, see gospel-influenced pop.

Quick facts

• Album: In the Lonely Hour
• Writers: Sam Smith, James Napier, William Phillips (with later credits to Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne)
• Style: gospel‑inspired pop ballad