Released: 2017
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran is an irresistibly catchy tune chronicling the whirlwind of love, lust, and the allure of the physical form. Capturing the excitement of a blossoming romance in a crowded bar scene onto a body-to-body dance, the song speaks to the universal rhythm of attraction and infatuation.
The opening lines set the stage, detailing an evening at a bar, shots with friends, and a chance encounter turned dance party. “The club isn’t the best place to find a lover / So the bar is where I go (mm-mm)” might read as Sheeran’s playful critique on the superficiality of club culture, explicating that meaningful connections can’t be forged in the high-energy atmosphere of a club. He prefers the bar, a slightly more relaxed environment for sparking up a conversation, hence the reference to ‘talking slow.’ To get on the same vibe, he asks to “put ‘Van the Man’ on the jukebox,” referring to Van Morrison – a telltale sign of an old soul, a romantic, or a music nerd, take your pick.
As the song progresses to the chorus, Sheeran’s infatuation becomes clear. “I’m in love with the shape of you / We push and pull like a magnet do” is a beautiful portrayal of physical attraction and his fascination with her body. The metaphor signifies the irresistible, almost magnetic attraction Sheeran feels for this woman. Yet his feelings extend beyond mere physicality – “Last night you were in my room / And now my bed sheets smell like you / Every day discovering something brand new” suggests that he’s equally captivated by her presence and everything that comes with it. It alludes to an intimate overnight stay, leaving him with lingering physical and emotional impressions that fuel his desire.
When we get to “One week in we let the story begin / We’re going out on our first date (mm-mm),” we see their relationship evolving past initial attraction. The lyrics outline the mundane, yet intimate, details of their first date. His mention of “we talk for hours and hours about the sweet and the sour / And how your family is doing okay” shows a deepening connection – they’re beyond the ‘shape’ now, delving into each other’s personal lives.
Ed winds up the song by repeatedly urging, “Come on, be my baby, come on,” an eager invitation for her to officially be his partner. It’s the finishing touch on a song that takes us on a journey from lustful interest to more profound feelings, giving us a front-row seat to the beauty of a relationship’s progression.
The brilliance about “Shape of You” is Ed Sheeran’s ability to infuse a dance-pop rhythm with heartfelt lyricism, resulting in a tune that’s both meaningful and club-ready. But let’s keep it 100, folks: it’s Ed’s penchant for elevating everyday love stories into high-pop art that’s the real secret sauce here. Truly, a chart-topper for the ages.
