Ed Sheeran is using music to get through difficult times.
The musician revealed on Wednesday that the track “Eyes Closed” from his newly announced album – (pronounced “Subtract”) has a deeply personal meaning for him.
“This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and every thing just reminds you of them and things you did together,” he captioned the post alongside a stoic black and white photo of himself.
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Ed Sheeran Teases Emotional New Single ‘Eyes Closed’ From Forthcoming Album ‘Subtract’
“You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it,” he continued, confirming the song was about the Feb. 22 death of his friend Jamal Edwards from cardiac arrest after recreational drug use.
The music entrepreneur and DJ was instrumental in helping launch Sheeran’s career early on.
“Blue was Jamal’s colour, but now is all I feel,” added the singer. “And I guess music helps heal, so I’m dancing with my eyes closed to try get through it.”
Sheeran teased the song earlier with a TikTok of the chorus, along with himself duetting his own instrumentals.
@edsheeran Eyes Closed. 24.03.23 x #NewMusic
Subtract is set for release on May 5.