CULTURE
ED SHEERAN OPENS UP ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES IN NEW SINGLE “BOAT”
APRIL 21, 2023
-
WORDS
by LYNNE FAY
IMAGES
courtesy ATLANTIC RECORDS
Global musical artist Ed Sheeran has revealed the opening track of his forthcoming album, Subtract, entitled “Boat”. This soulful new single tackles the topic of depression, serving as a metaphor for attempting to keep one’s head above water amidst life’s turbulent times.
Written by the English seaside amidst the extreme elements of winter, “Boat” solefuly reflects on the struggles of feeling very low and not knowing how to break the cycle. Sheeran’s hauntingly beautiful lyrics highlight the difficulty of overcoming depression: “They say that all scars heal, but I know maybe I won’t,” he sings. “The waves won’t break my boat.”
Ed Sheeran by Annie Leibovitz
The song's official music video, directed by Mia Barnes, depicts Sheeran amidst the waves on a British beach, struggling to stay afloat while being engulfed by the sea. The visuals complement the song’s lyrics, mirroring the artist's efforts to break free from the vicious cycle of sadness.
“‘Boat’ is the first song I wrote and finished for Subtract,” Sheeran said in a statement. “It’s where it all began, and a good way to kick off the album.”
Produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, Sheeran’s Subtract will be his final album of a set of records named after mathematical symbols. It is set to be released on May 5 via Atlantic Records, and fans can pre-order it now.
