Who's behind the notes? Discover Ed Sheeran: The Definitive Biography
"Shape of You" is a popular song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released on January 6, 2017, as one of the lead singles from his third studio album, "÷" (pronounced "divide"). Here are some interesting facts about the song and Ed Sheeran:
Chart-Topping Success: "Shape of You" became an international sensation, topping the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many more. It held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks.
Streaming Records: The song shattered streaming records upon its release. It was the first song to ever reach 2 billion streams on Spotify, achieving this milestone in less than a year.
Co-Writers: "Shape of You" was co-written by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid. Steve Mac is a prominent British producer and songwriter who has worked with many renowned artists.
Inspiration: The song's inspiration came from Sheeran's personal experiences and observations. He wanted to create a danceable track that focused on the story of meeting someone at a bar and falling in love.
Original Intent: Initially, Ed Sheeran did not intend to keep "Shape of You" for himself. He originally wrote the song with the intention of selling it to Rihanna. However, after working on it further, he decided to keep it for his own album.
Musical Style: The song blends pop, dancehall, and tropical house influences. Its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and rhythmic hooks contributed to its widespread popularity.
Lyric References: The lyrics of "Shape of You" contain references to popular culture, including mentions of "Van the Man" (referring to the musician Van Morrison) and "putting Van The Man on the jukebox" (a reference to Van Morrison's music).
Accolades: The song earned several awards and nominations, including Grammy nominations for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
Music Video: The official music video for "Shape of You" has gained billions of views on YouTube. It features a storyline where Ed Sheeran participates in a boxing match and falls in love with a fellow boxer.
Cultural Impact: Beyond its musical success, "Shape of You" had a significant cultural impact. It inspired numerous covers, parodies, and dance routines across social media platforms.
Streaming Era Influence: The success of "Shape of You" highlighted the growing influence of streaming platforms on music consumption, as it set records for the number of streams in a short period of time.
Album Performance: "÷" (Divide), the album that features "Shape of You," received widespread acclaim and commercial success. It became one of the best-selling albums of the year.
"Shape of You" remains one of Ed Sheeran's most recognizable and enduring hits, showcasing his ability to create infectious melodies and relatable lyrics that resonate with a wide audience.