Eyes Closed (Ed Sheeran song)

"Eyes Closed"
Single by Ed Sheeran
from the album −
Released24 March 2023
GenreFolk pop
Length3:14
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Ed Sheeran singles chronology
"F64"
(2023) 		"Eyes Closed"
(2023) 		"Boat"
(2023)
Music video
"Eyes Closed" on YouTube

"Eyes Closed" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released on 24 March 2023 through Asylum and Atlantic Records as the lead single from his fifth studio album, −. The song was produced by Max Martin, Shellback, Fred Again, and Aaron Dessner, and the former three producers wrote it with Sheeran. "Eyes Closed" debuted and peaked at the top of the UK Singles Chart.

Background and promotion

[edit]

"Eyes Closed" started in 2018 as a collaboration between Sheeran and pop producer Max Martin. Originally a love song, it was reworked in 2022 by Sheeran and Dessner, with a different instrumentation and lyrics detailing the loss of a dear friend.[1][2] Sheeran announced the song alongside the album on 1 March 2023, setting up several pre-order opportunities.[3] On 9 March, he shared a preview of the song on his socials, performing parts of the song on an acoustic guitar and a piano.[4] In a TikTok posted on the same day, it was revealed that it will be the lead single of the album.[5]

The song pays tribute to his former music entrepreneur and close friend Jamal Edwards, who died in February 2022 from a drug overdose.[6] He had been exchanging text messages with Edwards about an upcoming music video, while having dinner with Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn, and then he learned the next day that his best friend was gone.[7] Talking about the loss, Sheeran revealed, "Blue was Jamal's colour, but now is all I feel.[7] And I guess music helps heal, so I'm dancing with my eyes closed to try get through it".[8] Edwards' funeral was the first one Sheeran had ever attended in which the deceased was not cremated, which means he remembers the moment he placed dirt on his friend's grave.[9] In addition to the death of Edwards, his wife Cherry was diagnosed that same month with a tumour that could not be operated on until after she had delivered their second child in June, and then his friend Shane Warne died in early March.[7] He has cited his feelings of "fear, depression and anxiety" as the inspiration behind the song.[10]

The song was prominently featured in the first trailer of Sheeran's Disney+ documentary, Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All, which explores details of his private life.[11]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

In the song, Sheeran's voice has a rich timbre and his falsetto softens when he sings the refrain on the chorus, "I keep dancing with my eyes closed".[12] Writing for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis noted that the song featured percussive guitar playing and that the chorus was "insistent" and "radio friendly".[13] Originally written as a breakup song, it took on new meaning after Sheeran suffered personal losses. The lyrics feel "more personal" and "explicitly linked to a very specific event", that of the death of Jamal Edwards.[13][12]

Critical reception

[edit]

Roisin O'Connor of The Independent, rated the song four stars and wrote that "much of the emotional heft" of the song was in Sheeran's delivery.[12] In a mixed review, The Guardian's Alexis Petridis gave the song three stars out of five, writing that "you already know if you’ll love it, loathe it with every fiber of your being" or "simply marvel at its effectiveness without being moved."[13]

Music video

[edit]

The Harvey-inspired music video for "Eyes Closed" was released alongside the single. Directed by Mia Barnes, the video depicts Sheeran being followed by a big blue monster that only he can see during his night out, representing his grief. He soon finds other people with their own monsters, before finally facing his own and singing the song's final line, causing it to disappear.[14][15][16]

Live performances

[edit]

"Eyes Closed" was performed on 1 April 2023 on The Jonathan Ross Show and on 7 May on American Idol.[17]

Accolades

[edit]
Awards and nominations for "Eyes Closed"
Organization Year Category Result Ref.
MTV Video Music Awards 2023 Best Pop Nominated [18]
Best Cinematography Nominated
Global Awards 2024 Best Song Nominated [19]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Eyes Closed"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[101] Platinum 70,000‡
Austria (IFPI Austria)[102] Gold 15,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[103] Platinum 80,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[104] Platinum 90,000‡
France (SNEP)[105] Platinum 200,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[106] Platinum 100,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[107] Gold 15,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[108] Platinum 50,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[109] Gold 30,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[110] Platinum 20,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[111] Platinum 600,000‡
Streaming
Sweden (GLF)[112] Platinum 8,000,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release history and formats for "Eyes Closed"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label Ref.
Various 24 March 2023
Original
[113]
United Kingdom CD single [114]
Italy Radio airplay Warner [115]
Various 27 March 2023
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Piano
  • Asylum
  • Atlantic
  • Warner
 [116]
United States Hot adult contemporary radio Original Atlantic [117]
28 March 2023 Contemporary hit radio [118]
Canada 19 April 2023 CD single Piano
Various 19 May 2023 Remix Lost Frequencies remix

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jon Pareles (8 May 2023). "Ed Sheeran Lets His Tears Flow on '-'". New York Times. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  2. ^ Roisin O'Connor (24 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran review, Eyes Closed: Emotional, candid songwriting that hits home". The Independent. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  3. ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (1 March 2023). "New Ed Sheeran album, Subtract, informed by 'fear, depression and anxiety'". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  4. ^ DeSantis, Rachel (9 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran Shares Snippet of Emotional New Song 'Eyes Closed' Off Upcoming Album 'Subtract'". People. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  5. ^ Skinner, Tom (10 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran previews upcoming '-' single 'Eyes Closed'". NME. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  6. ^ Aniftos, Rania (15 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran Says 'Eyes Closed' Is About 'Losing Someone,' Remembers Late Friend Jamal Edwards". Billboard. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Hiatt, Brian (21 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran Confesses: Tears, Trauma, and Those Bad Habits". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  8. ^ Gonzalez, Rebekah (15 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran Reveals Heartbreaking Inspiration Behind New Song 'Eyes Closed'". IHeart. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  9. ^ Larson, Lauren (4 October 2023). "Ed Sheeran Knows the One Song You'll Remember Him For". GQ. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  10. ^ Bowenbank, Starr (9 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran Gives Fans a Sneak Peek at New Song 'Eyes Closed': Here's When It Arrives". Billboard. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  11. ^ Dear, Alice (21 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran Dancing With My Eyes Closed: New song meaning, lyrics, where to listen". Heart. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  12. ^ a b c "Ed Sheeran's 'Eyes Closed' offers candid songwriting that hits home - review". The Independent. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  13. ^ a b c Petridis, Alexis (24 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran: Eyes Closed review – the most unradical of reinventions". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  14. ^ Singh, Surej (24 March 2023). "Ed Sheeran struggles with love and loss in 'Eyes Closed' music video". NME. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  15. ^ "Ed Sheeran's 'Sadness' Is a 'Big Blue Monster' in Music Video for New Single 'Eyes Closed'". Peoplemag. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  16. ^ "Ed Sheeran Reflects on His Grief Journey in Moving New Song "Eyes Closed"". E! Online. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  17. ^ Brandle, Lars (8 May 2023). "Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette Show Top 8 'Idol' Contestants How It's Done". Billboard. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  18. ^ Atkinson, Katie (13 September 2023). "Here Are the 2023 MTV VMAs Winners: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  19. ^ "The Global Awards 2024: Full list of nominees & how to vote". Classic FM. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  20. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Chart History (Argentina Hot 100)" Billboard Argentina Hot 100 Singles for Ed Sheeran. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  21. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  22. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  23. ^ "Top Radio Hits Belarus Weekly Chart: Jun 15, 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  24. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  25. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  26. ^ "Crowley Charts: Top 100 Brasil – Reference Week: May 8, 2023 - May 12, 2023 (08/05/2023 - 12/05/2023)" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Crowley Broadcast Analysis. Retrieved 15 May 2023. Note: In SEMANA REFERÊNCIA select 08/05/2023 - 12/05/2023. To access the full Top 100, click on VER TOP 100 COMPLETO and enter your name and email. Then enter the code you received by email.
  27. ^ "Crowley Charts: Top 10 Pop Internacional – Reference Week: May 8, 2023 - May 12, 2023 (08/05/2023 - 12/05/2023)" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Crowley Broadcast Analysis. Archived from the original on 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  28. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  29. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  30. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  31. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  32. ^ a b Ed Sheeran — Eyes Closed. TopHit. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  33. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 26. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  34. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 15. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  35. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". Tracklisten. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  36. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Weekly Chart: May 11, 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  37. ^ "Ed Sheeran: Eyes Closed" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  38. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  39. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  40. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  41. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  42. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  43. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  44. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  45. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  46. ^ "Latvijas radio stacijās spēlētākās dziesmas TOP 18. nedēļa" (in Latvian). LAIPA. 9 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  47. ^ "2023 13-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  48. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Weekly Chart: Apr 13, 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  49. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Luxembourg Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  50. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 24, 2023" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  51. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  52. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  53. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". VG-lista. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  54. ^ "OLiS – oficjalna lista airplay" (Select week 27.05.2023–02.06.2023.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  55. ^ "OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie" (Select week 05.05.2023–11.05.2023.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  56. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  57. ^ "Top Radio Hits Romania Weekly Chart: May 4, 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  58. ^ "Media Forest – Weekly Charts. Media Forest. Retrieved 22 September 2024. Note: Select 'Songs – TV'. Romanian and international positions are rendered together by the number of plays before resulting an overall chart.
  59. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: May 11, 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  60. ^ "Top 50 – Radio San Marino RTV – 07/05/2023" (in Italian). San Marino RTV. 7 May 2023. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  61. ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 13 (24 - 30 Mar 2023)". RIAS. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  62. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 25. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  63. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 13. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  64. ^ "Digital Chart – Week 13 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  65. ^ "Top 5 | 8 – 15 Juni 2023" [Top 5 | 8 – 15 July 2023] (in Dutch). Nationale Top 40 Suriname. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
  66. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  67. ^ "Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  68. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  69. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  70. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  71. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  72. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  73. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  74. ^ "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Billboard Vietnam Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  75. ^ "Top Radio Hits Global Monthly Chart: April 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  76. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Monthly Chart: May 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  77. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Monthly Chart: May 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  78. ^ "Top Radio Hits Romania Monthly Chart: April 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  79. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Monthly Chart: May 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  80. ^ "Digital Chart – April 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  81. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles Chart for 2023". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  82. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2023" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  83. ^ "Rapports annuels 2023" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  84. ^ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  85. ^ "Top Radio Hits Global Annual Chart 2023". Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  86. ^ "Track Top-100 2023". Hitlisten. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  87. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Annual Chart 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  88. ^ "Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  89. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Annual Chart 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  90. ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2023" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  91. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  92. ^ "Podsumowanie roczne – OLiA" (in Polish). OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  93. ^ "Top Radio Hits Romania Annual Chart 2023". TopHit. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  94. ^ "Årslista Singlar, 2023". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  95. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2023". hitparade.ch. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  96. ^ Griffiths, George (29 December 2023). "The Official Top 40 Biggest Songs of 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  97. ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  98. ^ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  99. ^ "Adult Pop Airplay Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  100. ^ "Pop Airplay Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  101. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles for week of 24 July 2023". Australian Recording Industry Association. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  102. ^ "Austrian single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  103. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". Music Canada. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  104. ^ "Danish single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  105. ^ "French single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  106. ^ "Italian single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  107. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  108. ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 17 July 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Eyes Closed in the search box.
  109. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  110. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Eyes Closed')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  111. ^ "British single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  112. ^ "Sverigetopplistan – Ed Sheeran" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  113. ^ "Eyes Closed - Single by Ed Sheeran". Apple Music (UK). Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  114. ^ "Eyes Closed Signed CD Single". Warner Music Official Store. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  115. ^ Mompellio, Gabriel. "ED SHEERAN "Eyes Closed" | (Radio Date: 08/05/2023 - 12/05/2023)" (Press release) (in Italian). Airplay Control. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  116. ^ "Eyes Closed (Piano Version) - Single by Ed Sheeran". Apple Music (UK). Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  117. ^ "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  118. ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eyes_Closed_(Ed_Sheeran_song)&oldid=1247522525"