Ed Sheeran, a globally recognized musical phenomenon, has consistently redefined the boundaries of pop music with his unique blend of vulnerability, relatability, and songwriting prowess. From his early days as a quirky, unconventional artist to his current status as a chart-topping superstar, Sheeran has captivated audiences with his honest lyrics and genre-bending musicality. His impact on society, music, and culture is undeniable, with a catalog of songs that have resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. Now, Sheeran has unveiled one of his most vulnerable works to date, "Life Goes On," a song deeply rooted in grief and resilience, further amplified by a collaboration with country music star Luke Combs.
"Life Goes On" is a poignant reflection on loss, inspired by the death of Sheeran's close friend, music mogul Jamal Edwards. Edwards, an early champion of Sheeran's talent through his SBTV YouTube channel, held a special place in his heart. Edwards's death in February 2022, due to arrhythmia, profoundly impacted Sheeran. The song delves into the overwhelming emotions that gripped Sheeran in the aftermath of Edwards's passing, capturing the struggle to reconcile personal grief with the world's relentless forward momentum.
In his poignant track "Life Goes On," Sheeran delves into the depths of grief, capturing the overwhelming emotions that gripped him when Jamal died. It hit Sheeran like a thunderous locomotive, leaving him speechless and consumed by pain.
The phrase "life goes on" serves as a central theme, a reminder that life continues even in the face of challenges, setbacks, or changes. It emphasizes the resilience and forward movement of life itself, suggesting that despite adversity, people must carry on, adapt, and continue. However, Sheeran will never stop grieving the loss of Jamal.
The song explores the complexities of grieving, questioning the unspoken societal expectations surrounding the grieving process. Sheeran challenges the notion that there is a "right" way or a "right" time to move on after a loss, asserting that grief is a personal journey that should not be confined by external pressures.
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Sheeran confronts the societal expectation to "get back to normal" after a period of mourning, a sentiment he personally resisted. He emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve without pressure, acknowledging that healing is a continuous process rather than a destination. "I don't feel like you have to get over stuff," Sheeran explains. "I think it's something you can live with and something that if you want to cry you can cry."
The duet version of "Life Goes On" with Luke Combs infuses the song with a country music sensibility, adding another layer of depth and emotion to the already powerful track. Sheeran's willingness to experiment with different genres highlights his artistic versatility and his genuine appreciation for the storytelling tradition of country music.
The collaboration between Sheeran and Combs was born out of a mutual respect and friendship that developed over several years. Sheeran first encountered Combs' music through a friend and the two connected in 2018. Their shared musical sensibilities and personal connection made for a seamless collaboration on "Life Goes On."
Ed Sheeran marked his inaugural ACM Awards stage appearance on May 11, 2023, with a rendition of "Life Goes On." The performance took a country twist as surprise guest Luke Combs accompanied him on the stage, having treated the audience to his "Love You Anyway" song just prior.
Sheeran kicked off the performance with the first verse. The crowd inside the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, had no inkling of Combs' impending collaboration with Sheeran, but as the song unfolded, Combs entered the stage and sang the second verse. To conclude the performance, the two superstars joined forces, blending their voices in harmonious unity. ACMs co-host Garth Brooks couldn't resist asking Combs and Sheeran about their collaboration. "We met, like 2018. I heard Luke's music through a friend, and then I posted something online and we sort of got in touch and performed together," Sheeran answered. "And, yeah. We've just been friends for like five years now.
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The official release of the duet version followed their performance at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards, where they captivated the audience with their heartfelt rendition of the song.
Sheeran recorded "Life Goes On" for his sixth album, Subtract. Working in a studio on the scenic Kent coast, Sheeran weaves maritime metaphors throughout the record. In this particular track, he sings of "fighting the tide," while on "Boat," he assures that "the waves won't break my boat." In the tune "Salt Water," he revels in the freedom of being "free in salt water." Meanwhile, on "Dusty," he describes the sensation of feeling "lost within a stormy ocean," and on "Vega," he remains determined to keep "fighting the tide."
Buoyed by strings and mandolin, "Life Goes On" is one of fourteen songs Sheeran wrote for Subtract in collaboration with producer Aaron Dessner (The National, Taylor Swift).
Landing right after "Eyes Closed" on Subtract, "Life Goes On" delivers a powerful one-two punch, both exploring the theme of grief but through contrasting styles. On "Eyes Closed" Sheeran takes a departure from catchy melodies, opting for raw and stripped-down folk accompanied by his emotionally cracked voice. The introspective piece reflects on the loss of his friend with heartfelt simplicity.
In contrast, "Eyes Closed" takes a more radio-friendly pop approach as Sheeran shares his personal encounters with grief and denial. Together, these songs offer a captivating juxtaposition, each providing a unique perspective on the complexities of mourning.
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"Life Goes On" has resonated with audiences worldwide, praised for its raw honesty, emotional depth, and universal themes of loss and resilience. Critics have lauded Sheeran's ability to capture the complexities of grief in a relatable and moving way, while also highlighting the seamless collaboration with Luke Combs.
Ed’s new song is one of reflection, but also one of assurance, hope, and peace, knowing that life going on isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just something that happens in the grieving process. A must-listen if you’ve loved British music the past, Ed’s music in general, or if you can appreciate pop music with a slight inspirational edge; Ed’s music has always been thought-provoking, and this new song is no different. Well done Ed for this new musical offering.
The song's commercial success is a testament to its powerful message and the widespread appeal of both Sheeran and Combs. "Life Goes On" has charted in several countries, earning certifications in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The release of "Life Goes On" and Sheeran's expressed interest in transitioning into country music signal a potential shift in his musical direction. Sheeran's willingness to explore new genres and collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds demonstrates his artistic curiosity and his commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
In an interview with Billboard at the ACMs, Sheeran suggested he may pivot to the country genre. "I would love to transition into country," the U.K. pop star said backstage at ACM Awards rehearsals. "I love the culture of it - I just love the songwriting.
Whether Sheeran fully embraces country music remains to be seen, but "Life Goes On" offers a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for this multifaceted artist.
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