What Do I Know?

Album: ÷ (2017)
Charted: 9 83
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ed Sheeran is not known as a political singer; he just wants to play songs. As a singer-songwriter without an university education he feels that many would see him as unqualified to pontificate about the world's problems. However, here he joins those who want to change the world peacefully, by suggesting that love has a powerful effect on the world.

    I'm just a boy with a one-man show
    No university, no degree, but lord knows
    Everybody's talking 'bout exponential growth
    And the stock market crashing and their portfolios
    While I'll be sitting here with a song that I wrote
    Sing, love could change the world in a moment
    But what do I know?


    Sheeran sarcastically asks why should people listen to him over those with an education.

Comments: 1

  • Edsheeranfan from Not TellingThis song is so fire
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of WayneSongwriter Interviews

The guy who brought us "Stacy's Mom" also wrote the Jane Lynch Emmy song and Stephen Colbert's Christmas songs.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Glen Ballard

Glen BallardSongwriter Interviews

Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.