Ed Sheeran derived inspiration from an unlikely source in the development of his next project.
After completing a quintet of albums inspired by mathematics, most recently – (that’s not a misprint: It’s pronounced Subtract), Sheeran revealed his next five albums. Their titles are Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind, and Stop.
When asked about the title for his forthcoming album, Play, Sheeran cited Quentin Tarantino as the blueprint for his musical career.
Tarantino has supposedly committed to making 10 feature films, and Sheeran has followed suit. Sheeran slated Play for an early fall 2025 release to begin the second stage of his 10-album project.
If lead single “Sapphire” is any indication, Sheeran’s upcoming work will be more of a return to the chart-crushing good vibes of X (Multiply) than the heartbreaking ruminations of songs like “Boat” from – (Subtract).
One of the most successful musicians of the modern era, Sheeran seems to have doubled down on keeping positivity, good will, and a hearty dose of love at the center of his current and future songs.
Similar to most Sheeran anthems, “Sapphire” contains several declarations of affection dedicated to an anonymous recipient.
Sheeran launches into uplifting descriptions of the song’s recipient in singing, “You’re glowin’/You color and fracture the light/You can’t help but shine.”
The eponymous sapphire is meant to be a reflective symbol of the beauty, love, and joy wrapped up in Sheeran’s relationship. The track’s lone simile compares his lover’s face to “fireworks in the sky.”
Admittedly, these repetitive love lyrics are familiar territory for Sheeran. And the song bursts with his signature vibrancy and emotion.
“Sapphire’s” accompanying music video features Sheeran traveling throughout India along with Arijit Singh, who collaborates on the song and is of comparable fame to Sheeran in India’s music and movie industries.
When Singh picks up halfway through the track, his lines (performed in Hindi) contain a few references to the blessings of Karma in the context of happiness and joy.
When signing about his relationship, Sheeran mentions how “We’ll be dancing till morning, go to bed, we won’t sleep.” and how he is “Touchin’ on your body, while you’re pushin’ on me.”
The lyrics dodge direct sexual references but may serve as a wink-wink for what’s really going on all night.
Sheeran knows he doesn’t need to rely on lyrical complexity to achieve success. In fact, Apple Music revealed that his saccharine anthem “Shape of You” is its most-streamed song of the past decade.
“Hotel California” by the Eagles clocked in at #287 on the list, which says all you need to know about the past decade of listening habits.
But it’s undeniable Sheeran knows how to deliver what the people want.
“Sapphire” checks all the boxes of a modern pop music hit, a mold Sheeran (more than anyone not named Taylor Swift) designed in his own image.
And that’s what the public is after with Sheeran’s music: Sparkling, easy-to-listen-to hits. As the YouTubeIndia account commented on Sheeran’s music video: “Ed and Arijit didn’t just drop a gem, they dropped a Sapphire.”
But Sheeran’s nondescript references to a vague nighttime relationship add a bit of murkiness to this pool of bouncing synthetic beats. The subtle mention of karma discolors the otherwise airy appeal of what will likely be another Sheeran smash. Listen closely enough to his lyrics and these moments can certainly warrant concern.
Jackson Greer is a High School English Teacher in the suburbs of Texas. He lives in Coppell, Texas with his wife, Clara. They love debating whether or not to get another cat and reading poetry together. Also, he is a former employee of Focus on the Family’s Parenting Department.
