Some of the vulnerable song lyrics on Ed Sheeran’s latest album, “Play,” have sparked speculation that he may be alluding to challenges in his marriage. Page Six called the deluxe edition of the album, which dropped earlier this fall on September 12, a “shocking confession about struggling in his marriage.”
Sheeran married his wife, Cherry Seaborn, in December 2018. People says the pair have known each other most of their lives, starting as childhood friends who met when they were just 11 before becoming romantic later in life.
Almost a year before they got married, Sheeran declared the two were “very happy and in love” as he announced their engagement.
The outlet cites the lyric “We got problems, and we don’t know how to solve them” from the song “Problems,” which also contains the telling line, “We’re not fine.”
Ed Sheeran’s Lyrics Touch On Strain Of World Tour
Page Six also says lyrics from some of the thirteen bonus tracks on the deluxe version of “Play” reveal the toll of balancing home life with a world tour. The outlet mentions the song “Regrets,” in which Sheeran talks about the pain of being separated from his young daughters.
One line explains, “You’re too young to understand that Daddy’s coming home. Every time I leave the house, you think I’m forever gone.”
The song goes on, “Guess it’s from the hundred calls, goodnights on the telephone. See this tour, I’ve gotta get it done, but why though?” In another line, Sheeran reflects on how he “missed out on so much” while out working.
The track “War Game” seems to be about a relationship on the rocks. One part goes, “Every day we feel deflated. Tryna roll with all the changes. Reality of what we’ve created.” Another talks about being “inches from moving out or moving on.”`
Fans loved the relatable track. One commented on YouTube, “A bit like ‘A Little More’ in that first you hear a great beat and a great song. Then, when you listen to the lyrics, the song changes, goes deeper. This lyric is somehow so deep and genuine, heartbreaking, made me cry a bit. Love it!”
Another simply wrote, “I love everything about this song.”
Ed Sheeran Said ‘Play’ Album Followed a Dark Time
CBS reported in September that Sheeran revealed his album marked a transition “from heartbreak to happiness.”
The “A Team” singer explained his previous effort, 2023’s “Subtract,” was “quite a heavy album, all the interviews around it was heavy. All the gigs around it were heavy.”
He said he wanted “Play” to represent “the polar opposite.” He said creating the album made him “feel good,” and added, “And I’m just putting it in the universe and it all exist in people’s lives however it exists. But I think records have to be made primarily for the artist first, cause then like, I don’t know, otherwise it’s just a product,” per the story.
Knowing Sheeran’s take on the album, it’s possible some of Sheeran’s more serious musings on the record could be reflections on a heavy time from which he has since emerged.
Ed Sheeran’s Pennywise Costume
The month after releasing “Play,” Sheeran had fun by dressing in an elaborate Pennywise costume for Halloween. One fan reacted by joking, “Love redheads supporting other redheads.”
Sheeran showed makeup artists helping him with the transformation process.
