Who's behind the notes? Discover Ed Sheeran: The Definitive Biography
"Shape of You" is one of Ed Sheeran's most popular songs, and there are several interesting facts about it:
Record-Breaking Streams: "Shape of You" broke records on streaming platforms. It became the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2017, with over 2.8 billion streams that year alone.
Co-Writers: Ed Sheeran co-wrote "Shape of You" with Johnny McDaid of the band Snow Patrol. The song's success is a testament to their collaboration.
Hitmaker's Inspiration: Sheeran drew inspiration for the song from experiences during his travels, including a visit to a bar in Ibiza, Spain, where he met a woman named Cherry Seaborn, who later became his wife. The lyrics reflect his observations and emotions during that time.
Accidental Success: Ed Sheeran originally wrote "Shape of You" with the intention of giving it to another artist, but he later decided to keep it for himself. This decision turned out to be a career-defining moment.
Dancehall Influence: The song incorporates a dancehall and tropical house sound, which was a departure from Sheeran's usual acoustic style. This shift in musical direction helped him reach a wider audience.
Chart Dominance: "Shape of You" topped the charts in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many more. It spent a record-breaking 33 weeks in the UK top 10.
Grammy Nominations: The song received two Grammy Award nominations in 2018: one for Best Pop Solo Performance and another for Best Pop Vocal Album (as part of his album "÷").
Iconic Music Video: The music video for "Shape of You" features Ed Sheeran participating in a boxing match and training with a female boxer. It has garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
Cover Versions: "Shape of You" inspired numerous cover versions and parodies on YouTube, showcasing its global popularity and influence.
Cultural Impact: Beyond its commercial success, the song had a significant cultural impact and became an anthem for many. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics resonated with a wide range of listeners.
"Shape of You" remains one of Ed Sheeran's most recognizable and enduring hits, contributing to his status as one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.