Songfacts®:

• So, tell me how, how my life goes on with you gone?
  I suppose I'll sink like a stone
  
  Ed Sheeran was shattered when his best friend, music mogul Jamal Edwards, succumbed to a fatal drug overdose on February 20, 2022. Edwards, an early champion of Sheeran's talent through the SBTV YouTube channel, held a special place in his heart.
  
  In his poignant track "Life Goes On," Sheeran delves into the depths of grief, capturing the overwhelming emotions that gripped him when Jamal died. It hit Sheeran like a thunderous locomotive, leaving him speechless and consumed by pain.
• The phrase "life goes on" is a reminder that life continues even in the face of challenges, setbacks, or changes. It emphasizes the resilience and forward movement of life itself, suggesting that despite adversity, people must carry on, adapt, and continue. However, Sheeran will never stop grieving the loss of Jamal.
  
  "I know death and grief is a thing that everyone goes through, and everyone has jobs and everyone has lives, and everyone just has to get back to it," said Sheeran. "You're sort of given this period of time where you're expected to grieve and to be sad, and then that's supposed to end and you're supposed to go back to normal life. I just didn't feel like I wanted to, and I still don't feel like I want to. I don't feel like you have to get over stuff. I don't think it's something that is a must; I think it's something you can live with and something that if you want to cry you can cry."
• Sheeran recorded "Life Goes On" for his sixth album, Subtract. Working in a studio on the scenic Kent coast, Sheeran weaves maritime metaphors throughout the record. In this particular track, he sings of "fighting the tide," while on "Boat," he assures that "the waves won't break my boat." In the tune "Salt Water," he revels in the freedom of being "free in salt water." Meanwhile, on "Dusty," he describes the sensation of feeling "lost within a stormy ocean," and on "Vega," he remains determined to keep "fighting the tide."
• Buoyed by strings and mandolin, "Life Goes On" is one of fourteen songs Sheeran wrote for Subtract in collaboration with producer Aaron Dessner (The National, Taylor Swift).
• Landing right after "Eyes Closed" on Subtract, "Life Goes On" delivers a powerful one-two punch, both exploring the theme of grief but through contrasting styles. On "Eyes Closed" Sheeran takes a departure from catchy melodies, opting for raw and stripped-down folk accompanied by his emotionally cracked voice. The introspective piece reflects on the loss of his friend with heartfelt simplicity.
  
  In contrast, "Eyes Closed" takes a more radio-friendly pop approach as Sheeran shares his personal encounters with grief and denial. Together, these songs offer a captivating juxtaposition, each providing a unique perspective on the complexities of mourning.
• Ed Sheeran marked his inaugural ACM Awards stage appearance on May 11, 2023, with a rendition of "Life Goes On." The performance took a country twist as surprise guest Luke Combs accompanied him on the stage, having treated the audience to his "Love You Anyway" song just prior.
  
  Sheeran kicked off the performance with the first verse. The crowd inside the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, had no inkling of Combs' impending collaboration with Sheeran, but as the song unfolded, Combs entered the stage and sang the second verse. To conclude the performance, the two superstars joined forces, blending their voices in harmonious unity.
  
  ACMs co-host Garth Brooks couldn't resist asking Combs and Sheeran about their collaboration. "We met, like 2018. I heard Luke's music through a friend, and then I posted something online and we sort of got in touch and performed together," Sheeran answered. "And, yeah. We've just been friends for like five years now. So it's been great."
  
  Ed Sheeran released the country duet version on May 12, 2023.