Sam Smith has opened up on the inspiration behind his debut album.

The singer released his first record 'In The Lonely Hour' earlier this year and it has become a global smash.

Speaking in a new interview with The Sun about the inspiration behind his lyrics, Smith said that the collection was largely penned about a straight man he fell for.

He said: "It's really tough to explain. But no, he's not gay. Nothing ever happened between us. I know he loved me too, but not in that way. When I wrote the record I was just really heartbroken - all I wanted to do was go to the studio and write about this guy who I fell in love with."

Smith added that he still stays in touch with the 'In The Lonely Hour' muse, saying:

"He knows - I've told him everything and our relationship is great now. But he's very wary of how he acts around me...I feel nothing towards him now. I'll always love him but I'm not in love with him any more."

Referring to the seeming parameters that define love, Smith added:

"I feel like love is a massive spectrum. But some people are so bothered about boxes, like the way they look and the way they've been brought up, that they don't let themselves go to fall in love with other people. I think that's what happened. He had his guard up a lot."

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