The A Team by Ed Sheeran is basically about a prostitute’s life in a very cold area in the world. The lyrics go on to talk about how ever since she was 18, she dreamed of a better life than the one she has now and that her health is starting to falter because of her situation. Loose change and a couple of bank notes is the only money she has on her, and “going mad for a couple grams” refers to how people in poor situations will do anything in order to make a living and survive. In her case, she is working as a call girl at night time to pay for her rent. She also purchases drugs as an escape from reality and actually feel good every once in a while.

The music in this song has a very mellow, constant guitar strum that lends a rhythm to the story that Ed is trying to tell. There are background singers who sing pleasant, relaxed notes. One part of the song that I feel is quite powerful is when the constant guitar strumming gets quiet and stops for a few lines. The lines sang during this section are supposed to be the main message of the song, being that many people are struggling in their daily lives just to get by.  Many people who are under “the upper hand” and must work extra hard, sometimes even night jobs to make a living.

I’m not quite sure if the message of the song relates to Ed Sheeran himself, but I would say that one big reason for writing it was to bring more awareness to this issue. It sounds nice and peaceful at the first listen, but then it hits you that it’s a very melancholic song as you continue listening further and really pay attention to the lyrics. Angels can refer to the innocent people affected by poverty.

I feel that The A Team is a fantastic song, but only when you’re in the mood for something of a more somber tone. I personally enjoy the song because its different in that it has great meaning behind its words, contrary to the mindless lyrics of some other music. It doesn’t rely on too many instruments or a catchy beat to lure in listeners, but more on story telling. I think this song will continue to be listened to in the future and I definitely recommend this as well as Ed Sheeran himself.

Works Cited:

Sheeran, Ed. The A Team. Ed Sheeran. Jake Gosling, 2011. CD.

Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/edsheeran/theateam.html