
Sam Smith
Photo: Gary Gershoff/WireImage.com
Watch: Sam Smith, Logic Debut New "Pray" Music Video
What better backdrop for a spiritual track such as "Pray" than an Italian villa?
Sam Smith and Logic filmed the remixed version of "Pray," from Smith's 2017 album The Thrill Of It All, at the picturesque Villa Erba near Lake Como, Italy. Among a backdrop of lush-looking rooms, the GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter and GRAMMY-nominated rapper take turns delivering their verses on the piano-based confessional.
Directed by Joe Connor, the video also features a white horse and his handler, butterflies, interpretive dancers, a jeweled masked character, and silhouettes behind white curtains. The result is an ethereal video that seems to transcend the physical world, a perfect pairing for a song with lyrics such as, "Everyone prays in the end."
Rolling Stone reports that Smith got the idea for the song after visiting Mosul, Iraq.
"We are all looking around at what's happening in the world, and it is just messed up," he said. "You've got no choice but to look up to the sky and put your hands together and pray for something to happen."
For those who want to experience "Pray" live, Smith's 37-date North American tour launches June 18 in Toronto and will conclude Sept. 13 in Calgary. Tickets are available via his website.