We list some of the best Ed Sheeran songs and what they are about. Of all the contemporary singer-songwriters in the music industry today, few have made the kind of impact that Ed Sheeran has. With his soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and unique blend of genres, Sheeran has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Ed Sheeran is a British singer-songwriter born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. He grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk, and began playing guitar at a young age. Sheeran attended the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, Surrey, where he honed his skills as a musician and songwriter.
In 2011, Sheeran released his debut album “+” which included the hit singles “The A Team” and “Lego House.” The album was a commercial and critical success, earning him several awards and nominations, including two BRIT Awards.
Sheeran’s second album, “x” was released in 2014 and featured the chart-topping singles “Sing,” “Don’t,” and “Thinking Out Loud,” which earned him two Grammy Awards. In 2017, Sheeran released his third album, “÷” which included the hit singles “Shape of You,” “Castle on the Hill,” and “Galway Girl.” The album was another commercial and critical success, earning him several awards, including two more Grammy Awards.
Ed Sheeran then released his fifth and sixth studio albums. “=” was released on October 29, 2021, through Asylum and Atlantic Records, and was supported by five singles, including “Bad Habits,” “Shivers,” “Overpass Graffiti,” “The Joker and the Queen,” and “2step.” Sheeran’s sixth studio album, titled “(-)” was released on May 5, 2023, also through Asylum and Atlantic Records. The album featured mostly acoustic tracks and was preceded by the singles “Eyes Closed” and “Boat.”
Throughout his career, Sheeran has collaborated with many other artists, including Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, and Eminem. He is known for his soulful voice, honest lyrics, and unique blend of pop, folk, and hip-hop influences.
His music has inspired countless covers and remixes, and has even been used in popular TV shows and films. From his chart-topping hits to his more personal and emotional tracks, we’ll explore what makes these songs so special and why they have resonated so deeply with fans around the world. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, this list is sure to offer something that speaks to your heart. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Ed Sheeran’s greatest hits.
Best Ed Sheeran Songs and Their Meanings
1. Shape of You
“Shape of You” is the most famous song by Ed Sheeran that was released in 2017 as part of his third studio album “÷” (pronounced “divide”). It has over 3 billion streams on Spotify and over 6 billion views on YouTube. The song is a pop track with dancehall and tropical house influences. “Shape of You” is a love song about a chance encounter between two people who are physically attracted to each other. The lyrics describe the physical features of the person the narrator is interested in and how they want to take things slow before pursuing a deeper relationship. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a popular party track and it became one of Sheeran’s biggest commercial successes.
2. Thinking Out Loud
“Thinking Out Loud” is a romantic ballad that was also released in 2014 as part of Sheeran’s “×” (pronounced “multiply”) album. The song is a slow-tempo ballad that features Sheeran’s signature acoustic guitar playing. The song’s lyrics are about a long-lasting and committed love between two people, and the narrator expresses his love and devotion for his partner through the lyrics. The song’s popularity stems from its timeless sound and relatable lyrics, making it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions. “Thinking Out Loud” won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2016 and became one of Sheeran’s most successful songs to date.
3. Perfect
“Perfect” is a love song that was released in 2017 as part of Sheeran’s “÷” album. The song is a pop ballad with a slow tempo that features Sheeran’s acoustic guitar playing. The lyrics describe a love story between two people who have been friends for a long time and eventually fall in love. The song’s chorus features the lines “We are still kids, but we’re so in love, fighting against all odds, I know we’ll be alright this time”, which express the narrator’s confidence in the strength of their relationship. “Perfect” became one of Sheeran’s most successful songs and a popular choice for wedding dances, and a duet version of the song featuring Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli was also released in 2017.
4. Photograph
“Photograph” is a sentimental ballad that delves into the memories of a past love. The song explores the concept of capturing moments through photographs and how they can take us back to certain moments in our lives. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery, and Sheeran’s signature acoustic guitar complements the poignant melody perfectly. The song reflects on how a photograph can be a tangible reminder of love and how it can transport us back to those cherished moments. Sheeran’s emotive vocals, coupled with the relatable lyrics, make “Photograph” a quintessential love song.
5. Give Me Love
“Give Me Love” is a slow-burning ballad about unrequited love. The song speaks to the pain of being in love with someone who doesn’t love you back. The lyrics are raw and emotive, and Sheeran’s vocal performance is particularly powerful. The chorus is a soaring plea for the subject of the song to give him love, even if it’s just for one night. The instrumentation builds throughout the song, with the final chorus being particularly explosive. The song is a standout on Sheeran’s debut album “+,” and it showcases his ability to write emotive, relatable lyrics that tug at the heartstrings.
6. Galway Girl
“Galway Girl” is a lively, folk-inspired pop song that tells the story of a chance encounter with a girl from Galway, Ireland. The song is full of upbeat, toe-tapping instrumentation, and Sheeran’s vocals are playful and energetic. The lyrics describe the night he met the girl, who leads him on an adventure through the streets of Galway. The chorus is infectious and catchy, with Sheeran singing about the girl’s beauty and the magic of the moment. The song is a departure from some of Sheeran’s more melancholy ballads and showcases his ability to create upbeat, infectious pop songs that are sure to get stuck in your head. “Galway Girl” is a tribute to Ireland and the vibrant energy of its people.
7. I Don’t Care ft. Justin Bieber
“I Don’t Care” is a collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber that was released in 2019. The song is a catchy pop track that features upbeat, lively production and lyrics that are all about being carefree and enjoying life. The opening lines of the song, “I’m at a party, I don’t wanna be at / And I don’t ever wear a suit and tie,” set the tone for the rest of the track.
The song goes on to talk about how the singer doesn’t care about anything except for being with their significant other. They sing about being able to have fun and enjoy life, even if they’re stuck in a boring situation, as long as they’re together. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Bieber and Sheeran singing, “With you, I’m alive / Like all the missing pieces of my heart, they finally collide / So stop time right here in the moonlight / ‘Cause I don’t ever wanna close my eyes.”
8. Castle On The Hill
“Castle On The Hill” is a nostalgic song that was released in 2017 as a single from Ed Sheeran’s album “÷”. The song is an upbeat, guitar-driven track that tells the story of Sheeran’s childhood in Suffolk, England. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his memories, describing everything from his friends to the landscape to the music he listened to.
The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, with Sheeran singing, “I’m on my way / Driving at 90 down those country lanes / Singing to ‘Tiny Dancer’ / And I miss the way you make me feel, and it’s real.” These lines capture the sense of freedom and joy that Sheeran felt as a child, cruising down country roads with his friends and feeling invincible.
9. Bad Habits
“Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran is a song about addiction to someone and the negative patterns that arise from this kind of relationship. Sheeran sings about a love interest that he can’t resist, even though he knows it’s not good for him. The chorus repeats the line, “My bad habits lead to you,” which implies that his destructive behaviors are the result of his love for this person.
The lyrics suggest that the narrator is caught in a cycle of indulgence and regret, as he describes his late nights and conversations with strangers that leave him feeling alone. He also mentions losing control of what he says and staring off into space, which could be a reference to substance abuse.
Despite his awareness of the situation, the narrator is unable to break free from the hold this person has on him. He sings about taking the long way around and burning out, which could be a metaphor for the ups and downs of their relationship.
10. Perfect Symphony ft. Andrea Bocelli
“Perfect Symphony” is a special version of Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Perfect,” featuring the world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. The song is a romantic ballad that tells the story of two people falling deeply in love and wanting to spend the rest of their lives together. Sheeran’s tender lyrics and Bocelli’s soaring vocals combine to create a stunning performance that will leave listeners feeling deeply moved.
11. I See Fire
“I See Fire” was written by Ed Sheeran for the soundtrack of the 2013 film “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” The song is a haunting ballad that captures the sense of danger and foreboding that permeates the film. Sheeran’s lyrics evoke images of a world on the brink of destruction, with fire and darkness threatening to consume everything in their path. The song’s acoustic guitar and percussion provide a tense, urgent backdrop to Sheeran’s soaring vocals, making for a truly unforgettable listening experience.
12. Happier
“Happier” is a bittersweet ballad about a relationship that has ended, but the singer still wants the best for his former lover. Sheeran’s lyrics capture the feeling of watching someone you love move on with their life, even if it means they will be happier without you. The song’s stripped-back production highlights Sheeran’s emotional vocals and heartfelt lyrics, making for a poignant and relatable track that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a breakup.
13. The A Team
“The A Team” is a powerful and emotive ballad that tells the story of a young woman struggling with drug addiction and prostitution. The song’s lyrics are incredibly vivid, painting a picture of the young woman’s harsh and bleak reality. She is described as “an angel in white” who is “stuck in her daydream” and “trying to swim but she’s sinking.” The chorus speaks of the girl’s desperation and vulnerability, as she turns to drugs to numb her pain: “And they say she’s in the Class A Team / Stuck in her daydream / Been this way since eighteen / But lately, her face seems / Slowly sinking, wasting / Crumbling like pastries / And they scream / The worst things in life come free to us.”
14. Beautiful People ft. Khalid
“Beautiful People” is an upbeat and catchy pop song that celebrates individuality and self-confidence. The song encourages listeners to embrace their quirks and differences, and to reject the shallow and superficial standards of beauty perpetuated by society. The chorus exclaims, “We don’t fit in well / ‘Cause we are just ourselves / I could use some help / Getting out of this conversation, yeah / You look stunning, dear / So don’t ask that question here / This is my only fear, that we become.” Featuring the soulful vocals of Khalid, “Beautiful People” is an uplifting and positive anthem that is sure to make you feel good about yourself.
15. Lego House
“Lego House” is a poignant and melancholic song that explores the pain and heartache of unrequited love. The lyrics are raw and honest, capturing the intensity and complexity of the narrator’s feelings. The song opens with the lines, “I’m gonna pick up the pieces / And build a Lego house / If things go wrong we can knock it down.” The chorus is particularly powerful, expressing the narrator’s deep longing for the object of his affection: “And it’s dark in a cold December / But I’ve got you to keep me warm / If you’re broken I will mend ya / And I’ll keep you sheltered from the storm that’s raging on, now.” “Lego House” is a beautifully crafted song that showcases Sheeran’s ability to capture the essence of human emotion.
16. Perfect Duet (with Beyoncé)
“Perfect Duet” is a romantic song by Ed Sheeran featuring Beyoncé. The song is a remix of Ed Sheeran’s original song “Perfect,” with Beyoncé contributing her own verses and singing harmonies with Sheeran.
The song is about two people who have found love with each other, and it describes the feelings of being completely enamored with one another. The lyrics talk about the small moments and details that make their love special, as well as their desire to spend their lives together.
In the chorus, Sheeran sings “Cause we were just kids when we fell in love / Not knowing what it was / I will not give you up this time / Darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own / And in your eyes you’re holding mine.” The song emphasizes the deep connection and commitment between the two lovers, and the duet version with Beyoncé adds an extra layer of emotional intensity to the song.
17. Shivers
‘Shivers’ by Ed Sheeran is about falling in love with someone and being completely infatuated with them. The lyrics suggest that the singer is experiencing a new level of passion and intensity with the person he is singing about. The line “I never kissed a mouth that tastes like yours” suggests that the person he is singing about is unique and special, and that their connection is unlike anything he has experienced before.
Throughout the song, the singer describes his desire to be with this person and to feel their touch. The line “Lipstick on my guitar” suggests that he is willing to go to great lengths to be with them. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “And when you’re close up, give me the shivers,” suggests that being near this person makes him feel an intense physical and emotional response.
The bridge of the song, where the singer describes being wrapped up in the arms of this person, is particularly intimate and sensual. The line “You know you could tear me apart, put me back together and take my heart” suggests that the singer is willing to be vulnerable and give himself completely to this person.
18. Dive
“Dive” is a bluesy track from Sheeran’s third studio album, “÷”. The song explores the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship, with Sheeran’s soulful vocals conveying a sense of longing and heartbreak. The lyrics describe a partner who is hot and cold, causing Sheeran to feel unsure of where he stands. The chorus features a powerful metaphor, with Sheeran comparing the relationship to a deep sea dive: “So don’t call me baby, unless you mean it / Don’t tell me you need me, if you don’t believe it / So let me know the truth, before I dive right into you.” The song’s instrumentation is also notable, with a groovy bassline and bluesy guitar riffs giving it a classic rock feel. “Dive” was a fan favorite from “÷” and has been praised for its emotional depth and Sheeran’s impressive vocal range.
19. Boat
“Boat” by Ed Sheeran as a song about resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The opening lines suggest that the singer is seeking solace in nature, looking for beauty in even the bleakest of circumstances. He is facing a difficult time, feeling as though he can’t breathe, but he knows that he needs to keep going.
The chorus, “The more that I love, the less that I feel / The times that I jumped never were real / They say that all scars will heal, but I know / Maybe I won’t, but the waves won’t break my boat,” speaks to the idea that the more the singer loves, the more vulnerable he feels. He acknowledges that he has been hurt in the past, but he is determined to keep going, to keep moving forward despite the challenges he faces.
The verses describe the natural world around the singer, with stones crashing on the boardwalk and wind rushing through the trees. He keeps his eyes peeled, searching for something more, something that he knows may never be. Memories always fall short, he notes, but he’s ready to let go and move on.
20. Curtains
The song “Curtains” by Ed Sheeran is about coming to terms with past pain and opening up to someone about it. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been hiding away from the world, possibly due to emotional pain or trauma. They ask someone to “pull the curtains” and let the sun shine in, indicating a desire to face their problems and move forward.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of loneliness, as the singer talks about feeling trapped and alone. They mention playing hide and seek, which could symbolize their attempts to hide from their pain or from others. Despite their struggles, the singer seems to find comfort in the person they’re addressing in the song, who has found them “anyway” and helps them to feel alright.
You may also like:
