'Lay Me Down,'' by Sam Smith.

• Position: Living

It's impossible to say if British soul singer Sam Smith is going to clean up tonight at the Grammy Awards, or whether he'll leave empty-handed despite his numerous nominations. It doesn't really matter, though: Smith has had a heck of a year, by any standard, and it's clear that he's a musical force that's going to be with us for a while.

Nowhere is that more clear than on the new video for his song "Lay Me Down,'' which released on Thursday ... just in time for curious Grammy viewers who want to hear more from this guy and his classic, breathy vocals.

The video itself is a bit of a fake-out: At first, it appears to be set at a solemn funeral, which is later revealed to be a joy-filled gay wedding. Mild political statement aside, the shift of perspective can be applied to the song itself, with its deep-toned seriousness hinting at love lost.

"No words can explain,'' he croons...