The Meaning Behind The Song: Eraser by Ed Sheeran
Eraser is a song from Ed Sheeran’s third studio album, ÷ (Divide), which was released in March 2017. The song was co-written by Johnny McDaid, who has also worked with other well-known artists such as Snow Patrol and Pink.
Table of Contents
Eraser is one of the most personal songs on Sheeran’s album. In the song, Sheeran talks about his struggles with fame, the music industry, and the pressures that come with it.
The song has a strong rap component, which is unusual for Sheeran, who is known for his acoustic ballads. The beat is produced by long-time collaborator, Steve Mac. The song is five minutes long, and each verse is deeply introspective.
Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics of Eraser delve into Sheeran’s personal experience as a musician, his struggle with addiction, and the toll that fame can take on someone’s mental health. Sheeran opens the song by saying, “I was born inside a small town, I lost that state of mind.” This line is a nod to his humble beginnings in Framlingham, a small town in Suffolk, England.
The first verse focuses on his rise to fame and the challenges he experienced as a result. He says, “But the thing that I would tell you, is don’t believe a word, ’cause none of us have very long on this earth.” This line suggests that fame is fleeting and that people should not get too caught up in it.
The second verse talks about the difficulties that come with trying to stay true to oneself in the music industry. Sheeran says, “But I won’t follow, where the path goes, I’ll hold on to what I know.” This line suggests that Sheeran wants to stay true to his own musical style, even if it means going against the mainstream.
The song’s refrain, “Welcome to the new show, I guess you know I’ve been away, where I’m heading who knows, my heart will stay the same,” suggests that despite his newfound success, Sheeran still feels lost and uncertain about the direction of his life.
Inspiration Behind the Song
Although Eraser is heavily influenced by Sheeran’s personal experiences, it was also inspired by an unlikely source – the film, Birdman. According to Sheeran, the film’s depiction of the pressures of fame and the struggle for creative freedom resonated with him.
In an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1, Sheeran said, “The movie Birdman was kind of about that, that pressure to do something that everyone thinks is amazing and the pressure just mounts and mounts and mounts.”
Impact of the Song
Eraser has been praised for its lyricism and bravery in opening up about the struggles of fame. The song has resonated with many listeners who can relate to Sheeran’s struggles in the music industry. Additionally, the song’s rap component has been celebrated as a departure from Sheeran’s typical sound.
FAQs
What was the inspiration for Eraser?
Eraser was inspired by Ed Sheeran’s personal experience of fame as well as the film, Birdman. The film’s depiction of the pressures to create something amazing resonated with Sheeran, and he used that as inspiration for the song.
What is the meaning behind the song?
Eraser is a deeply introspective song that delves into Ed Sheeran’s struggles with fame, addiction, and staying true to himself in the music industry. The song is a nod to the fact that fame is fleeting, and people should not get too caught up in it.
What was the reaction to the song?
Eraser was praised for its lyricism and bravery in opening up about the struggles of fame. The song has resonated with many listeners who can relate to Sheeran’s struggles in the music industry.
What is the significance of the rap component of the song?
Eraser is unique in that it features a strong rap component, which is unusual for Ed Sheeran’s typical sound. The rap component adds a level of intensity and depth to the song, making it stand out from his other work.
How does Eraser differ from Ed Sheeran’s other songs?
Eraser is significantly different from Ed Sheeran’s other songs in terms of its sound and subject matter. The song is more intense and introspective than most of Sheeran’s other work, and it features a strong rap component.
What is Ed Sheeran’s message in the song?
The message of Eraser is that fame is fleeting, and people should not get too caught up in it. Sheeran also encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and not compromise their artistic vision for the sake of commercial success.
Is there a music video for the song?
Yes, there is a music video for Eraser. The video features Sheeran performing the song in an empty theater, intercut with footage of him traveling and performing on stage.
What is the significance of the song’s title?
The title, Eraser, can be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be seen as a nod to Sheeran’s desire to erase the pressures of fame and stay true to himself. It could also be interpreted as a reference to Sheeran’s struggles with addiction and the desire to erase the past.
What other songs on the ÷ (Divide) album are similar to Eraser?
Other songs on the ÷ (Divide) album that are similar to Eraser in terms of their introspective and personal nature include Dive, Save Myself, and Supermarket Flowers.
Did Ed Sheeran write the song himself?
Eraser was co-written by Ed Sheeran and Johnny McDaid.
What instruments are used in the song?
The beat for Eraser is produced by long-time collaborator, Steve Mac. The song features a range of instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard.
What other artists has Johnny McDaid worked with?
Johnny McDaid has worked with a variety of well-known artists, including Snow Patrol, Pink, and Robbie Williams.
How long is the song?
The song is five minutes long, and each verse is deeply introspective.
