Sam Smith makes 'dramatic as f**k' speech on 23rd birthday

Superstar Sam Smith may be recovering from throat surgery this week, but that didn't stop the talented young vocalist from celebrating his 23rd birthday today (May 19).

The 'Lay Me Down' star took to his Instagram account earlier this evening and shared a few birthday words of wisdom with his followers, writing: "Prepare yourself for a dramatic speech lol - I've only lived on this earth for 23 years and I have so much more to learn and so many more mistakes to make, but there is one thing I've learned in my not so many years."

"And that is love is the most important thing in life. Surround yourself with family and friends and people who genuinely love you. I am so lucky and these past few years have been so amazing, but also so challenging and I would definitely be in a world full of troubles right now if it wasn't for the people in this picture and my family and friends who can't be with me today. Dramatic as f**k I know, but I thought I'd share my emotional but I hope wise words with y'all."

Watch Smith's Billboard Music Awards acceptance speech here: