Sam Smith Unholy Ft. Kim Petras -

The lyrics tell a story of a husband leading a double life, frequenting a strip club—the "Body Shop"—while his "mummy" and children remain at home. Smith acts as the "town gossip," detailing the affair with a sense of mischief rather than judgment, while Petras embodies the unapologetic "other woman" who demands luxury brands like Fendi and Balenciaga in exchange for her company. Queer Joy as an "Exorcism"

: Smith noted that for many queer people, joy is a "dangerous place," and stepping into it requires courage. Sam Smith Unholy Ft. Kim Petras

For Sam Smith, "Unholy" was more than a stylistic change; they described the recording process as an of their previous musical identity. The lyrics tell a story of a husband

Sonically, "Unholy" is a radical departure from mainstream pop structures. It utilizes the , giving it a dark, "sinister" melodic flow often associated with Arabic music. This exotic scale, combined with a "grinding" bassline and metallic hyperpop synths, creates a sense of tension that mirrors the song's illicit subject matter. For Sam Smith, "Unholy" was more than a