The story is heavily influenced by Bolivian folklore, specifically the demon El Tío , who is said to rule the underground mines. In the video, a young boy (inspired by the Wizard of Oz ) journeys to an abandoned mine to find the demon.
Naughty Boy described the inspiration as his "inner kid," reflecting a moment when he felt neglected by a partner and chose to "plug his ears" and say "la la la" rather than listen to painful words. Naughty Boy, Sam Smith - La la la
The boy escapes an abusive household and gathers companions—a man and his dog (reminiscent of the Ekeko , a figure of luck) and a disfigured man—on a spiritual journey to face the demon. The story is heavily influenced by Bolivian folklore,
Lyrically, the song explores the desire to drown out negativity and avoid the weight of heavy, tiring conversations by turning up the volume on life. The Music Video: Symbolism & Folklore The boy escapes an abusive household and gathers
"La La La" is a landmark 2013 single by British producer , featuring the soul-stirring vocals of a then-emerging Sam Smith . Combining elements of UK garage, R&B, and dance-pop, the track became a global phenomenon, reaching number one in 26 countries and serving as a career-defining moment for both artists. Origin and Meaning