Sam Smith new music video for 'Lay Me Down' makes moving pro-gay marriage statement

The Grammy nominee posted a moving message on Instagram about the clip

Sam Smith in his music video for 'Lay Me Down'

Sam Smith has dedicated his new music video to “gay and transgender people everywhere”.

The Grammy-nominated singer posted a message about “Lay Me Down” on Instagram following its release on YouTube earlier today, explaining his dreams for a homophobia-free future.

The moving video, shot in one take in a South East London church, sees Smith standing at the altar at his husband’s funeral, while mourning family and friends sit behind him holding candles.

Halfway through, the clip flashes to their joyous wedding in the same church, with everyone smiling and clapping, before returning to a melancholy Smith sitting alone on a pew.

“Dear all, the “Lay Me Down” music video holds a very dear place in my heart. With this video, myself and Ryan Hope the director have decided to make a statement and showcase something we passionately believe in,” he wrote.

“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.

“I hope you enjoy it. I love you all.”

Sam Smith is mournful in the 'Lay Me Down' video

Smith, who is openly gay, recently revealed that his debut album In the Lonely Hour is about unrequited love.

The album proved a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic, making the 22-year-old the only artist to shift more than one million copies in the US and the UK last year.

Smith is up for five Grammys at Sunday’s ceremony and is the first British male in history to make the shortlist in the four major categories of Best Album, Best Song, Record of the Year and Best New Artist.