Marc Ambrosia – Lay Down My Life (2025)
Celebrating the trials and triumphs of self-discovery, Marc Ambrosia chose to dig deep, face the challenges, overcome stereotypes, and release the extremely personal album Gay & Proud. With his intimate lyricism, tender melodies and welcoming vocals, the singer-songwriter resonates with listeners, offering some solace, but we’re not here to discuss that critically acclaimed album. Today, we’re taking a gander at his song ‘Lay Down My Life’.
Following the 2024 Gay & Proud, US-based Marc Ambrosia tackles Carole King’s single, ‘Lay Down My Life’. Recorded at New Jersey’s The Gradwell House with mixing engineer Eric McNelis, this version is a heartfelt, stripped-down, simplistic wave of acoustic folk music. A quick hint of rock peeps from the background, but Ambrosia’s rich vocals and Eric Raible’s piano lean toward a predominantly folk-driven ballad.
Interestingly, as much as the track is different, it is exceedingly similar to the original. The primary difference lies in the simplicity of Ambrosia’s version. Unlike King’s version, Ambrosia strips the track of prominent harmonic synths and pulsating drumbeat. Instead of adding some bells and whistles, the stripped-back take seems to enhance the emotional aspect of this moving song. By cutting away the synths for an acoustic-driven melody, he digs deep to the core of the track and lays it out for all to see.
As with the majority of her work, King’s obscure vocals capture the painful reflection of relationships in ‘Lay Down My Life’. A song of selflessness and willingness to stay out of a person’s life because you don’t want them to feel sorrow, yet there is a gaping loss by doing so. King brought the message to life, as does Ambrosia; however, in its starker form, Ambrosia’s tone and execution offer more melodic clarity.
Overall, what do I think of this version of ‘Lay Down My Life’? In truth, it’s not all that different – if you want a twist on the song, then this isn’t the cover for you. It is, however, a wonderful return to yesteryear and fantastic to introduce a new generation to Carole King’s music. I do recommend Marc Ambrosia and am keen to see what else he has in store.
Find out more about Marc Ambrosia on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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