Ed Sheeran
A Beautiful Game
Released in 2023, "A Beautiful Game" by Ed Sheeran is a poignant ballad written by Sheeran himself, along with Foy Vance, a talented singer-songwriter known for his collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran and Ben Howard. The song wasn't officially released on any of Sheeran's studio albums, but rather found its home on the soundtrack for Season 3 of the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series, "Ted Lasso."
Meaning and Lyrics:
"A Beautiful Game" dives deep into themes of resilience and finding meaning in the midst of struggle. The opening line, "Foreign ashes by the name that we are here we are," sets the tone for a song reflecting on past challenges and the strength it takes to overcome them. The lyrics "Booze, we are damaged, but the joy was worth the pain," hint at past hardships and acknowledge the scars left behind, while simultaneously emphasizing that the journey, though difficult, was ultimately valuable.
The chorus, "Whoa oh, okay, out of the ends we'll rise from the ashes," resonates with the optimistic spirit of the song. It conveys a message of hope and perseverance, suggesting that even from the ashes of past struggles, there is the potential for renewal and growth.
Further analyzing the lyrics, "Foreign from the Earth" emphasizes a sense of feeling out of place, while "Beautiful games out of the ends" underscores the ability to create something positive from challenges faced. The song offers a message of encouragement, reminding listeners that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to rise above and find beauty in the journey.
Chart Position and Cultural Relevance:
While "A Beautiful Game" wasn't a major chart-topping hit, it became deeply intertwined with the cultural phenomenon that is "Ted Lasso." The series, known for its heartwarming portrayal of an American football coach navigating the complexities of English Premier League soccer, resonated deeply with audiences due to its themes of kindness, optimism, and believing in the potential of individuals and teams.
The song, perfectly encapsulating these themes, became a beloved anthem for fans of the show, further solidifying its cultural relevance. "A Beautiful Game" was nominated for two Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, and Outstanding Music Supervision, further solidifying its impact within the pop culture landscape.
Interesting Facts:
- The song was originally written for Ed Sheeran's own album, but he ultimately felt it felt a perfect fit for "Ted Lasso."
- Jason Sudeikis, creator and star of "Ted Lasso," was heavily involved in the songwriting process, contributing to the lyrics "Foreign spirit ious we are damaged but the joy."
- Despite not being an official single, "A Beautiful Game" has garnered millions of streams and views across various platforms, showcasing its connection with audiences.
Controversies and Cover Versions:
As of today, "A Beautiful Game" hasn't faced any notable controversies. Similarly, there aren't any widely known cover versions of the song yet. However, given its popularity and emotional impact, it wouldn't be surprising to see established or aspiring artists pay tribute to the song with their own interpretations in the future.
"A Beautiful Game" stands as a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire. Through its poignant lyrics and heartfelt message, the song reminds us that even when faced with challenges, we have the capacity to rise above and find beauty in the journey.