The Meaning Behind The Song: Bloodstream by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is one of the most successful singer-songwriters of our time. His music is known for its emotional depth and honesty, and his hit song “Bloodstream” is no exception. Although the song has a catchy beat and melody, the lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and deal with themes of addiction, love, and self-destruction. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “Bloodstream” and what inspired Ed Sheeran to write this powerful ballad.

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The Lyrics of Bloodstream

Before diving into the meaning behind the song, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of “Bloodstream”. The first verse sets the tone perfectly:

“I’ve been spinning now for time
Couple women by my side
I got sinning on my mind
Sipping on red wine”

The opening lines hint at a man who is lost, possibly in his own thoughts or in a world of his own making. He has a few women around him, but his mind is preoccupied with something much darker. The chorus adds to this sense of confusion and despair:

“All the voices in my mind
Calling out across the line”

This could refer to the voices of addiction or perhaps even mental illness. The second verse takes us even further into the darkness:

“She’s the tear in my heart
I’m the pain in her life
She’s my girl, and I’m her boy
And we’ll fight, and we’ll dance, and we’ll cry”

Here, we see a troubled relationship between two people who seem to be equally destructive to each other. There’s a sense of inner turmoil that’s palpable throughout the lyrics, and this is what makes “Bloodstream” such a powerful song.

The Inspiration Behind Bloodstream

As with many of Ed Sheeran’s songs, “Bloodstream” is based on personal experiences. In an interview with The Fader, Ed revealed that the song was inspired by his own battles with drug addiction. He said:

“I woke up one morning and decided to go to the studio and write a song that was upbeat and more about euphoria and the good side of addiction. So I wrote ‘Bloodstream’ and sent it to Rick Rubin, who loved it and got me a session with Emile Haynie.”

Although the lyrics of the song are quite dark and there’s a sense of inner turmoil, the music itself is upbeat and almost euphoric. This juxtaposition between the lyrics and the melody is what makes “Bloodstream” such a memorable and emotional song.

The Meaning of Bloodstream

At its core, “Bloodstream” is a song about addiction. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost, out of control, and caught in the throes of addiction. The narrator is plagued by inner demons and can’t seem to escape the voices in his head. Despite his attempts to find solace in drugs and other vices, he can’t seem to shake the feeling of emptiness.

The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, with lines like:

“All the voices in my mind
Calling out across the line
All the things we try to hide
They keep us paralyzed”

These lyrics express the notion that addiction is not just a physical dependence on drugs but a mental one as well. The voices in the narrator’s head are as real to him as the drugs he’s addicted to. In a way, they keep him paralyzed and unable to move forward.

The song’s bridge is particularly powerful, with lines like:

“I’ve been looking for someone to shed some light
Not somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I’m open to your suggestions”

These lines express a sense of desperation and a yearning for help. The narrator is lost and looking for someone to guide him out of the darkness. This is a sentiment that many people struggling with addiction can likely relate to.

FAQs About Bloodstream

1. Who wrote Bloodstream?

Ed Sheeran wrote “Bloodstream” along with Emile Haynie and Rick Rubin.

2. What is Bloodstream about?

“Bloodstream” is a song about addiction and the mental and emotional turmoil that comes with it.

3. What inspired Ed Sheeran to write Bloodstream?

Ed Sheeran has struggled with addiction in the past, and “Bloodstream” was inspired by his personal experiences.

4. Was Bloodstream a commercial success?

“Bloodstream” was a moderate commercial success, charting in several countries including the UK and Australia.

5. Does Bloodstream have a music video?

Yes, “Bloodstream” does have a music video, which was directed by Emil Nava.

6. What genre is Bloodstream?

“Bloodstream” is an indie pop song with elements of electronic music.

7. Who produced Bloodstream?

“Bloodstream” was produced by Emile Haynie and Rick Rubin.

8. What album is Bloodstream on?

“Bloodstream” is on Ed Sheeran’s second studio album, “X”.

9. When was Bloodstream released?

“Bloodstream” was released as a single in 2015.

10. How long did it take Ed Sheeran to write Bloodstream?

Ed Sheeran wrote “Bloodstream” in one morning after waking up feeling inspired.

11. What instruments are used in Bloodstream?

“Bloodstream” features a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments, including a drum machine, electric guitar, and piano.

12. What other songs did Ed Sheeran write about addiction?

In addition to “Bloodstream”, Ed Sheeran has written several other songs about addiction, including “The A Team” and “Save Myself”.

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