Lay Down (Strawbs song)

"Lay Down" is a song by the British progressive rock band Strawbs, released in 1972. It is arguably their most commercially successful single, reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song, written by Dave Cousins, is a relatively straightforward rock anthem with a strong emphasis on communal experience and encouragement to overcome personal struggles. The lyrics speak of coming together, sharing burdens, and finding strength in unity. Musically, "Lay Down" features prominent use of Mellotron and a powerful, singalong chorus that contributed to its popularity.

The success of "Lay Down" helped propel Strawbs' album Bursting at the Seams to commercial acclaim. While the band continued to explore more complex progressive rock elements in their later work, "Lay Down" remains a signature song and a staple of their live performances. It is often seen as an example of Strawbs’ ability to bridge the gap between folk rock and progressive rock.