Ed Sheeran took a break from sharing new music after the release of his album ‘No. 6 Collaborations Project’, which came out in July 2019. This morning, he released new single ‘Afterglow’, making it his first in over a year.
He posted yesterday to his social media, and again today when the song came out, saying: “Hey guys. Afterglow is a song I wrote last year that I wanted to release for you. It’s not the first single from the next album, it’s just a song I love, and hope you love too. Enjoy!”
He continued to say, “Have a safe and happy festive break and New Year’s. Back to dad land for me now, ciao.” Sheeran’s first baby was born in September 2020 with wife Cherry Seaborn, and they named their child Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran.
As is common for the singer, ‘Afterglow’ is heartfelt and warming – perfect for Christmas. Using guitar to sing to, and layering plentiful harmonies, the lyrics depict a sweet love story. ‘Afterglow’ can mean either the light that remains in the sky after sunset, or happiness that remains after a pleasant experience.
Sheeran uses winter to both tell the story, and as a metaphor for the hard times relationships can endure, saying that he’ll still be there in the ‘afterglow’ when everything is brighter. For example, in the pre-chorus he sings, “So alone in love like the world had disappeared/Oh, I won’t be silent and I won’t let go/I will hold on tighter ’til the afterglow.”
The visual also came out today, a simple video of Ed Sheeran playing his guitar at dusk in the English countryside. So far, it has over 1 million views. Despite fans’ joy at his return, the songwriter made it clear that he is not planning on creating a new album any time soon, as he takes time to be with his family.
