For Sam Smith, this massive exposure paved the way for their acclaimed debut solo album, In the Lonely Hour (where the song appears as a deluxe bonus track). 🎥 The Iconic Music Video

The song centeres around emotional self-defense during a painful breakup or toxic interaction.

Naughty Boy stated that the song was influenced by No Doubt's "Don’t Speak" and his own experience of refusing to listen to a partner breaking his heart.

Upon its release in May 2013, it was confirmed as the fastest-selling single of the year in the UK.

Originally written by Naughty Boy (Shahid Khan) along with Sam Smith and a team of co-writers, the song was initially intended to feature Emeli Sandé. Because Sandé was on tour, Naughty Boy brought in a then up-and-coming Sam Smith.

Covering one's ears and singing "la la la" represents a regression to a childhood defense mechanism to tune out manipulation, negativity, or heavy truths that the heart cannot bear. 🌎 Chart Success

The track served as a breakout moment for both artists, capturing global attention with its signature vocal hook, brooding electronic garage beats, and a visually striking music video. 🎵 Song Background and Meaning

Directed by Ian Pons Jewell and filmed in Bolivia, the music video on YouTube is a surreal masterpiece that played a major role in the song going viral. It tells the story of a young, deaf boy who runs away from an abusive home and goes on a mystical journey. The narrative heavily references: