A Little More

Album: Play (2025)
Charted: 18
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On "A Little Bit More," Ed Sheeran spits angrily about a close relationship that slowly unraveled. It wasn't dramatic or sudden - more like a slow drip of resentment creeping in, fueled by a stubborn refusal to accept blame where it's not due.

    I used to love you
    Now every day I hate you just a little more


    Feelings don't always flip overnight; sometimes they fade inch by inch until all that's left is bitterness.
  • Sheeran's songwriting often draws on moments of vulnerability and real-life challenges. In "A Little More," the verses suggest the subject could be an estranged friend or a romantic relationship from before his marriage to Cherry Seaborn, but Sheeran never says. And the not-knowing gives the song a universal quality, letting listeners plug in their own heartbreaks, arguments and family squabbles.
  • Of course, there's another possibility: "A Little More" might be completely made up. The intense, boundary-setting emotions could just as easily come from a crafted narrative as a personal confession. This wouldn't be unusual for Sheeran.

    Throughout his career, he has written songs that live entirely in fictional worlds, even when they're laced with real-life observation. His breakthrough hit, "The A Team," for example, was inspired by his volunteer work at a homeless shelter, but the central figure, "Angel," is an invented character designed to tell a broader story. "I See Fire" was penned for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013), written entirely from the perspective of Tolkien's characters; Sheeran's own dragon encounters being notably thin on the ground.

    Then there's "Celestial" created for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which channels his childhood love of the franchise into a whimsical, fantasy setting complete with animated Pikachu cameos. And "Under The Tree," recorded for the 2024 animated film That Christmas, is firmly rooted in the movie's fictional universe rather than Sheeran's own festive memories.
  • Sheeran co-wrote the song with his longtime friend and collaborator Johnny McDaid. The pair have crafted some of Sheeran's biggest hits together (think "Photograph" and "Shape Of You"), and their friendship extends beyond music, with McDaid even acting as godfather to Sheeran's daughter.

    Helping round out the writing and production team are American Blake Slatkin, known for working on 24kgoldn's "Mood" and The Kid Laroi's "Stay," and Canadian producer Cirkut, whose resumé includes Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" and Katy Perry's "Roar." The two teamed up on several previous occasions, including for Sam Smith's "Unholy" and Charli XCX's "360."

    British rapper and songwriter Dave also lends his talents, helping write Sheeran's venomous rap on his second verse and providing backing vocals. He previously contributed a verse to Sheeran's No. 6 Collaborations Project track "Nothing On You."
  • The music video stars Rupert Grint, forever known as Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter films. Grint previously teamed up with Sheeran back in 2011 for the "Lego House" video, where he played a doppelgänger obsessed with Sheeran who is taken into custody for stalking.

    The "A Little More" video acts as a sequel, opening with Grint's character being released from prison after 14 years for his crimes. But freedom doesn't bring peace; he's haunted by visions of Sheeran everywhere. Things seem to brighten when he finds love with Game of Thrones actress Nathalie Emmanuel, but his hallucinations spiral out of control at his wedding. Everyone at the ceremony - guests, the bride, even the officiant - becomes Ed Sheeran, leaving Grint's character trapped in a surreal nightmare.

    Emil Nava, a longtime Sheeran visual collaborator, directed the video. Previous videos he shot for Sheeran include "Sing" and "Thinking Out Loud."
  • At a Spotify Q&A with Nihal Arthanayake in September 2025, Ed Sheeran explained the anger behind "A Little More."

    "That feeling's been living inside me since I found success," he said. "I'd tried to put it into a song for years, but this was the first time it came out right, and getting it out there finally let me move on."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Annie Haslam of Renaissance

Annie Haslam of RenaissanceSongwriter Interviews

The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.