“First Times” is the third track on Ed Sheeran’s 2021 album ‘=’ or ‘Equals.’ In this song, Ed Sheeran sings how some of his biggest career achievements dwarfs in comparison to some of the smallest things in his personal life. This song will be something we can all relate to. Let’s dive into the meaning behind this song.
Ed Sheeran announced his fourth studio album ‘=’ also known as ‘Equals’ to be released on October 29, 2021. Announcing the album, Ed Sheeran commented his experiences that inspired this brand new album; “I’ve been through love, loss, new life, grief and everything in between during the whole period of writing it, and I feel like it’s really a coming of age record.” This is Ed Sheeran’s first major project since his collaborative album ‘No. 6’ in 2019 and follow-up to his mathematic’s inspired album series.
On Apple Music, Ed Sheeran explained his thoughts about “First Times”; “The reason “First Times” is at this point in the album is so there can be an intake of breath from my fans, like, ‘OK, cool, there are songs on here for us.’ This is pretty much classic me format. And it has a funny story.”
Ed Sheeran continued to share how he recorded “First Times” song while he was high on weed; “We’d finish a day of sessions, have a load of wine, get on the weed pens, watch an Avengers movie and just smash Doritos. One night, Fred is like, ‘Hey, man, can you re-vocal this?’ And I could barely keep my eyes open. I was not a functioning human. I sung it once and that’s the version on the song, which is why it’s gentle and delicate. Because I was almost gone.”
Listen to “First Times” by Ed Sheeran
Buy ‘=’ Album on Apple Music & Amazon
Ed Sheeran “First Times” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Verse 1
Ed Sheeran has been very very successful in his career after his initial breakthrough. He is one of the best-selling artists of our time, and for good reason as well. He has sold-out stadiums around the world and he does not seem to slow down. Ed recalls 80,000 capacity stadium singing in unison with him – what an iconic moment for a singer.
After the show, when the curtains draw down, and the last fan leaves the arena, Ed goes back to his own life. He goes back to the arms of the person he cherishes the most.
The rush from performing to 80,000 fans screaming at him starts to slow down. But the high does not fade away. Because he is drunk (literally and figuratively) in love with the person he likes.
Pre-chorus
Ed Sheeran sums up the theme of the song in the next line;
Ain’t it funny how the simplest things in life can make a man?
Most times the simplest pleasures in life can be the most rewarding moments in life. Remind yourself that sunset you watched with the person you wanted to watch it with. That moment would most likely dwarf any success you had in your career. Cherish these memories.
Chorus
In the hook of the song, Ed Sheeran goes on to list some of the firsts in his romantic life that he holds near and dear to his heart;
The first kiss, the first night, the first song that made you cry
The first drink, red wine, on a step in Brooklyn, I
Your life is what you make it to be. You can enjoy every moment or let them pass by. There will be countless firsts in your life with the person you love. Make sure to stop, breathe, take it all in, and lock these memories in your mind.
Verse 2
In the second verse, Ed Sheeran shares with us the moment that towers all of his professional accomplishments;
Was four little words, down on one knee
You said, “Darling, are you jokin’?”, and I just said, “Please”
This is the moment Ed Sheeran proposed to his girlfriend. The four little words are “will you marry me?” and his girlfriend responded, “are you joking?”
When you feel down, open one of these precious memories from your archive and re-live it. It is guaranteed to make you feel better.
Let us hear the precious memories that you cherish in the comments below. Put a smile on someone else’s face 🙂
Check out the complete lyrics on Genius.