The best Ed Sheeran songs you’ve probably never heard of

Sheeran saw mass success on the back of debut single The A Team
Ed Sheeran Mathematics Tour
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Safeeyah Kazi17 February 2019
The Weekender

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Singing sensation Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest names in music, having taken off in his early teens.

He has three number one studio albums under his belt and has sold millions of records sold worldwide.

Sheeran is known for his down-to-earth nature and wildly private demeanour, but has always been open in his song-writing.

So in celebration of of Sheeran turning 28, we've rounded up some of the best Ed Sheeran songs you’ve probably never heard of, but definitely need to take a minute to appreciate.

Gold Rush

Gold Rush was released as part of Sheeran’s debut release in 2011 on album + (Plus).

The record was praised for hits The A Team, Drunk and Lego House but Gold Rush was among the songs that have been overlooked.

Showcasing Sheeran’s effortless song writing-ability, the upbeat guitar-driven track tells the story of a man who spends his time working in a bid to provide for his girlfriend but in the process turns into a work-a-holic and ends up neglecting the relationship.

Sheeran sings: “You know how to sing, but, you don't know anything other than that/ So maybe you should learn to love her/ Like, like the way/ You wanna be loved.”

The song proves to be a showcase of Sheeran’s stunning storytelling.

Little Bird

**Strong language warning**

Another gem from the Plus era is Little Bird, a deluxe track from the album, which also appeared on independently-released EP, Loose Change.

Sheeran previously explained that the smooth song was inspired by a summer day when he was walking with a girl, who was studying to be a vet, when they spotted a chicken with a broken leg.

The girl wanted to take home the chicken to try and help it but Sheeran was more interested in getting to sleep and asked the girl to make him a cup of tea which resulted in the bird dying, which he felt “awful” about.

However, it has also been widely interpreted as being a metaphor for falling in love too quickly.

Either way, Little Bird proves exactly why Sheeran shot to success, with an effortless vocal and catchy tune.

Even My Dad Does Sometimes

Taken from Sheeran’s second album X (Multiply), Even My Dad Does Sometimes opens the conversation around difficult topics, including depression, suicide and terminal illness.

The melodic tear-jerker taps into embracing emotions, including pain, with Sheeran crooning: “It’s alright to cry even my dad does sometimes/So don’t wipe your eyes/tears remind you you’re alive/ It’s alright to die cause deaths the only thing you haven’t tried/ So live like you’re give all.”

The song also pushes for people to be open with their feelings, with Sheeran using the concept of “even my dad does” as a metaphor for breaking male stereotypes and not caring what society thinks in regard to being emotional or struggling with something.

Runaway

Runaway has also been taken from 2014 smash hit record X and showcases Sheeran’s transition into cross-genre as he manoeuvres through the track with an upbeat guitar-led pop beat.

The song tells the powerful story of a child living with a father battling alcoholism. It taps into the struggle for a child who naturally loves his dad but can’t stay in toxic household and is torn on whether he can leave the people he cares about.

Runaway puts Sheeran’s undeniable ability to take a listener on a journey on full display with an addictive vocal and beat to match.

Save Myself

Possibly one of the most heart-breaking songs in Sheeran’s repertoire, Save Myself appeared as a bonus track on 2017 release ÷ (Divide).

The song oozes melodic harmony in a stripped back showcase consisting of just the piano and Sheeran’s powerful vocal.

Save Myself taps into the concept of being taken advantage of and giving help, time and love to someone else who doesn’t return it.

It also shares a message of self-love with Sheeran singing: “Before I love someone else, got to love myself.”

Other powerful lyrics from the song include: “I gave all my oxygen to people that could breathe/ I gave away my money and now we don’t even speak/ I drove miles and miles but would you do the same for me?”

Save Myself highlights the full scale of Sheeran's ability to convey emotion through his music.

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