The Man

Album: x (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This stream-of-consciousness song finds Sheeran rapping about his love for a girl in a relationship that isn't coming together. However the chorus finds the conflicted singer asserting: "I don't love you baby. I don't need you baby."

    Sheeran explained during a Spotify track-by-track: "I had a lot on my brain, I just put it all in a song and left it for a long time, and then came back to it. It's a bit brutal, so I don't really know what to say about it, because the whole song was this stream of consciousness."
  • The origins of "The Man" date back to mid-2011, though it initially carried a different title. "It felt so raw and visceral," Sheeran recalled. "I never actually intended to release it; it was more of a therapeutic exercise."

    However, when musician friends like Foy Vance - whom Sheeran deeply respected - heard the track, they told him that its raw honesty was exactly what makes a great artist. Encouraged, Sheeran edited a few lyrics and refined the production to make it fit for Multiply.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Motley Crue

Motley CrueFact or Fiction

Was Dr. Feelgood a dentist? Did the "Crüecifixion" really happen?

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.