Paul Smith – “Lay Your Head Down”

In 2024, Maxïmo Park released their eighth studio album Stream Of Life. Today, frontman Paul Smith is sharing "Lay Your Head Down," his first solo material in eight years.

"Lay Your Head Down" was co-produced with Field Music's David Brewis, and it features Kathryn Williams on vocals and Ed Cross on violin. "'Lay Your Head Down' is a pleading lullaby, written with my daughter in mind, but it applies to anyone who needs some peace of mind," Smith says. "I think it's one of the prettiest songs I've written, but there are a couple of darker moments hinting at disquiet."

The song is as fragile and serene as an acoustic ballad could be. Smith and Williams' voices weave together into hypnotic harmonies, and the beauty is heightened when the violin slowly seeps in. Listen below.