The Lighthouse Keeper Explained
"The Lighthouse Keeper" is a song by British singer Sam Smith, released through Capitol Records on 20 November 2020 as a single from their extended play, The Holly & the Ivy (2020).[1] [2] [3] The song was written by Labrinth and Sam Smith. It peaked at number 72 on the UK Singles Chart.
Background
"The Lighthouse Keeper" is the second time that Smith has worked with Labrinth, he features on the title track that features on Smith's third studio album Love Goes. Labrinth also produced the song.
Composition
Written in partnership with Labrinth it is unlike anything Sam Smith has produced before. It is a throwback to the 1940s, a song with a story of Christmas reunion. The result is an unusual mix of sombre anthem and gentle lullaby, with classical-style choral backing and soft strings. The Christmas theme is subtle; the reference “home for Christmas time” doesn’t come until the end of verse two.
Music video
A music video to accompany the release of "The Lighthouse Keeper" was first released onto YouTube on 23 November 2020. The animation video was created by Babekühl. It was animated by Alexis Pepper Hernandez, Andrew Yee, Billy Ryan, Chris Yee, Eva Li, Opal Liang, Patrick Santamaria and Steffie Yee while Sam was its director.[4]
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.[5]
- Labrinth – producer, composer, lyricist, associated performer, background vocalist, electro-acoustic realisation, recording engineer, studio personnel
- Sam Smith – composer, lyricist, associated performer, vocals
- Mark Deml – assistant mixer, studio personnel
- Alison Dods – associated performer, violin
- Andy Parker – associated performer, viola
- Bruce White – associated performer, viola
- Caroline Dale – associated performer, cello
- Chris Laurence – associated performer, bass
- Chris Worsey – associated performer, cello
- David Pyatt – associated performer, French horn
- Everton Nelson – associated performer, violin
- Ian Burdge – associated performer, cello
- Ian Humphries –associated performer, violin
- Joby Burgess – associated performer, timpani
- John Metcalfe – associated performer, viola
- Louisa Fuller – associated performer, violin
- Lucy Wilkins – associated performer, violin
- Natalia Bonner – associated performer, violin
- Patrick Kiernan – associated performer, violin
- Reiad Chibah – associated performer, viola
- Richard George – associated performer, violin
- Stacey Watton – associated performer, bass
- Steve Morris – associated performer, violin
- Tony Woollard – associated performer, cello
- Warren Zielinski – associated performer, violin
- Randy Merrill – mastering engineer, studio personnel
- Steve Fitzmaurice – mixer, studio personnel
Charts
Notes and References
- Web site: The Lighthouse Keeper - Single by Sam Smith. Apple Music. 11 December 2020.
- Web site: Sam Smith Shares New Christmas Song 'The Lighthouse Keeper'. Rolling Stone. 20 November 2020. 11 December 2020.
- Web site: Sam Smith is in a Blue Christmas Mood on Surprise 'The Lighthouse Keeper' Single. Billboard. 20 November 2020. 11 December 2020.
- Web site: Sam Smith - The Lighthouse Keeper (Animated Video). YouTube. 11 December 2020.
- Web site: Credits / The Lighthouse Keeper / Sam Smith – TIDAL. Tidal. 11 December 2020.
- Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. 30 November 2020. 31 May 2022.
- Web site: Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 52. Sverigetopplistan. 30 December 2020.
