Overpass Graffiti

Album: = (2021)
Charted: 4 41
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Songfacts®:

  • Ed Sheeran wrote this sad banger about his first serious breakup ("you were the first full stop"). The singer remembers his feelings as their relationship reached its end ("The car was stuck, the engine stalled"). However, Sheeran's love for his ex will remain with him forever ("We'll never fade like graffiti on the overpass").
  • Sheeran penned the disco-tinged song with two of his regular songwriting partners: Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid and songwriter/producer Fred Again. Other collaborations between the three include the singles "Bad Habits" and "Shivers."
  • Originally the song was a slow power ballad. Then Fred Again said, "Have you ever thought about making it double time?" Sheeran told Apple Music this suggestion gave the track new life.
  • Ed Sheeran premiered the synthy pop tune during a gig at HMV Empire, Coventry, on August 25, 2021. He also debuted another = track, "First Times," at the same show.
  • Jason Koenig ("Shape Of You" and "Perfect") directed the video, which finds Sheeran having an adventure after getting stranded in the desert.
  • Ed Sheeran performed this song on the November 8, 2021 episode of Saturday Night Live. He also played another Equals track, "Shivers," on the same show.

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