World’s favorite ginger, Ed Sheeran is finally back with a brand new single. The British singer/songwriter announced his latest song “Bad Habits,” his first single in almost four years. The song takes on some of Ed Sheeran’s bad decisions in the past that led him to bad situations in life.
Ed Sheeran released his third studio album ‘÷ (Divide)‘ in March 2017 which included massive singles such as “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.” He did follow up this project with his fourth studio album ‘No.6 Collaborations Project,’ a series of collaborations including artists such as Khalid, Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Ella Mai, Bruno Mars, Eminem, 50 Cent, and more.
“Bad Habits” will be Ed Sheeran’s original solo single since his ‘Divide’ album. He released a 10-second snippet of the song along with the song artwork. Interestingly, Ed Sheeran looks like a glowing vampire in the artwork for the single–skin pale, dark spots around the eyes covered by glitter, and of course, the signature pointy teeth.
On Instagram, Ed Sheeran revealed the writing process behind “Bad Habits” with co-writers Fred Again, and Johnny McDaid; “We rented an old country house with the idea that the change of scenery from a studio would help make the most interesting songs, and for a month just chucked around random ideas and genres that I wouldn’t ever usually make. Bad habits came by accident and was such a fun tune to make. I didn’t know at the time it would end up as the first single from the album but here we are.”
In another behind-the-scenes picture, Ed Sheeran is seen wearing long, black, and pointy nails. He captioned the photo; “The nails were a nightmare to try and take a p*ss with. Wouldn’t recommend.” We have seen this recipe before. He is a vampire. Possibly the most talented vampire the world has ever seen.
“Bad Habits” releases on June 25, 2021.
Watch “Bad Habits” Music Video by Ed Sheeran
Buy ‘Bad Habits” Single by Ed Sheeran on Apple Music & Amazon
“Bad Habits” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Verse 1
In the first verse of the song, Ed Sheeran sings how when the sun starts sinking, a whole different beast starts to take over him. In the music video, we see Ed Sheeran dressed as a vampire. These mythological (or are they?) are portrayed to be creatures of the night and literally burn under the sunlight. So, even though Ed Sheeran’s vampire personification might work here, he is really talking about something else.
The theme of the song is alcohol and possibly drugs too. He admits that when the sunlight starts fading away, he cannot resist the thirst for these toxins. And it had gotten to the point that it has become a habit for him. Looking back, he can recognize it was a bad habit.
Chorus
The consequences of his bad habits follow. He sings about late nights alone in places he doesn’t even recognize. He probably ended up in potentially life-threatening situations, too, since his decision-making skills were seriously dampened by toxins.
“Nothing good happens after 2 am” is a popular quote among many people from a generation or two back. This carries the warning that people generally tend to make the wrong decisions when they don’t go to bed at the right time. Usually, late nights are associated with partying, drinking, drugs, one-night stands, and the whole works. Not a lot of good comes out of any of these things.
Verse 2
From the second verse of the song, we start to believe more and more that this song touches on drugs too. With alcohol, one doesn’t really go deeper and deeper into the addiction (although it can and has happened) as easily with drugs. The worst part about drugs is that once you get a little bit accustomed to one type, the body wants a more intense kick.
I only know how to go too far
Drugs are bad. Stay away from them. No matter whatever you choose to do, do not let the substance take over you!
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics on Genius.