Ed Sheeran’s last album ‘Divide‘ brought us some of the most culturally diverse tracklists from a single album ever. “Barcelona” gave us Spanish vibes, “Galway Girl” was an Irish descent. “Bibia Be Ye Ye” is yet another addition to the list and this time Ed takes us to Ghana.
What is Ghana you ask? This is a summation from Wikipedia:
Ghana, a nation on West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, is known for diverse wildlife, old forts and secluded beaches.
If that doesn’t intrigue you, this music video isn’t for you.
“Bibia Be Ye Ye” takes us through the lifestyle o the people of Ghana and the video barely shows Ed Sheeran except for two mini-second scenarios.
The video shows us the happy people of Ghana, their amazing beaches, lusciously green woods and food. The different people shown in the video are seen singing the lyrics to the song and most of them dancing too.
Watch “Bibia Be Ye Ye” Video by Ed Sheeran
If you ever wanted to know what “Bibia Be Ye Ye” means, the phrase is in Twi, a language spoken in Ghana and it means “all will be well.” So I assume the Ghanaian people use this phrase on a daily basis.
Download “Bibia Be Ye Ye” Single on iTunes and Amazon
Buy ‘Divide’ Album on iTunes and Amazon
The songs speaks about a carefree lifestyle-maybe something to be found in Ghana. Ed Sheeran confessed that he wrote this song while he was in Ghana for three weeks. He had also written two other songs that didn’t make it in to the ‘Divide’ album.
I lost my shoes last night, I don’t know where I put my keys
I was tired and fell asleep beneath an oak tree
I bet my mother’s proud of me from each scar
Upon my knuckle and each graze upon my knee, and all I know
Is I got a cab and then threw up on his car seat
He kicked me out and then I walked in the rain
I tell myself in every way I won’t be doing this again
And tomorrow’s a brand new day
The song goes on about a simple set of random events that could happen to anybody and we envy of that lifestyle. We would love to find out if these lyrics express a personal experience of Ed Sheeran himself. If so, must have been one hell of a life experience.
The chorus of the song is catchy;
Someone told me, “Always say what’s on your mind”
And I am only being honest with you, I
I get lonely and make mistakes from time to time
Se enioma enko ye, bibia be ye ye
Bibia be ye ye, ye ye, ye ye
Bibia be ye ye
“Se enioma enko ye” is the another phrase in Twi in this song and that roughly translates to “if things aren’t going well.”
Wo nooma (Be Ye Ye)
Wo nooma maaaa ye
Above is the only other phrase in Twi available in the song and this translates to “your problems will be solved” in English. So all around, the Twi langauage phrases in “Bibia Be Ye Ye” would mean ‘if things aren’t going well, don’t worry, your problems will be solved and all will be well.” A simple meaning from a not so simple song.
We are quite mesmerized with the song and the music video. The video captures some of the most lively and beautiful scenery from Ghana and makes us want to travel to Ghana. Directing, cinematography and editing done by Gyo Gyimah.
Leave a comment below what you think of the song “Bibia Be Ye Ye” and the music video. We are absolutely in love with the both and our only regret is that it wasn’t longer. And hopefully, Ed Sheeran will show us his other two songs written in Twi.
I absolutely loved the analysis of Ed Sheeran’s “Bibia Be Ye Ye” video! It’s amazing how he captures the essence of Ghanaian culture and lifestyle. The vibrant visuals and the sense of community really resonate. Your insights into the symbolism behind the scenes added so much depth to the experience. Can’t wait to see more reviews like this!