Little sailors, grab a life vest. Because your captain is taking a hiatus from the fame ship.

That's right. Sam Smith is taking a break -- for how long, we aren't sure -- from his long-lived limelight because he needs a little time to go home and be a normal 23-year-old for a while ... which includes giving his love life a shot in the arm.

Smith performed at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday (Oct. 24) and spoke to ET Online behind-the-scenes about his plans to step away from the stage for a bit.

"I am sad, but I'm also -- it feels right," the "Writing's On The Wall" singer explained, adding that he was glad his "last performance in America" was "in such a beautiful setting."

The Hollywood Bowl was part of CBS Radio's "We Can Survive" concert event which benefited the Youth Survival Coalition, a breast cancer support organization. Smith was part of a heavy-hitter line-up for the event which also included Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Calvin Harris, 5 Seconds of Summer, The Weeknd, and Maroon 5.

"I've been playing now for three years nonstop," Smith added. "And it feels right for me to just go home and live my life -- just be a 23-year-old."

Smith, who spent most of the summer recovering from vocal cord surgery, had a "Spectre"tacular post-surgical comeback which included new music, stunning live performances, a major movie theme song, AND a wax statue roll-out. But now he needs a time-out.

"I've been inspired the whole year -- my love life, and the downs and ups have never stopped -- so I'm always inspired by stuff like that," he said of his progress on a second album, following his Grammy-winning In the Lonely Hour. "I have been writing a little bit, and already I've found direction on what I want to say and how I want things to sound. But there's a long ways to go."

For now, though, Smith's priority is a little bit simpler than that: "It'd be good to actually spend some time dating I think," he said.

Smith didn't offer up a timeline for his impending hiatus, but he is expected to join Lorde and Disclosure for their Nov. 14 appearance on "Saturday Night Live" with host Elizabeth Banks, so perhaps it'll be over within a matter of weeks.

For now, though, Sam's back in the U.K., and on Monday (Oct. 26) he finally got to screen the latest "James Bond" picture, which features his vocals in the theme song, and he looked dapper and happy as ever in his crisp white tux.

"What a surreal evening. Unreal," said Sam of his night, which was shared by the film's cast and members of the royal family, including Prince William, Princess Kate, and Prince Harry. "Hope you all love the film as much as I do."