Introduction

In the annals of modern pop music, few artists have captured the hearts of millions quite like Ed Sheeran. With his unassuming charm, acoustic guitar slung across his shoulder, and heartfelt lyrics, Sheeran has ascended to global stardom with a string of hit albums. However, beneath the catchy hooks and soft-spoken demeanor lies a meticulous craftsman, fiercely dedicated to his craft. The documentary Songwriter, directed by his cousin Murray Cummings, offers a rare and unfiltered look at Sheeran’s creative process, particularly focusing on the making of his album ÷ (pronounced Divide). More than just a behind-the-scenes film, Songwriter uncovers the delicate balance between collaboration, spontaneity, and relentless work that fuels Sheeran’s musical genius.

1. A Collaborative Creative Process

The popular image of Ed Sheeran is often one of a solo troubadour—just him, his guitar, and his loop pedal. But, as Songwriter reveals, Sheeran’s music is born from collaboration as much as individual artistry. Early in the documentary, we see Sheeran working intimately with a circle of trusted collaborators, including producers Benny Blanco and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid. These sessions aren’t sterile studio affairs but creative explosions where ideas bounce back and forth like a tightly wound tennis match.

Sheeran’s openness to collaboration speaks volumes about his approach to artistry. Despite being a singular figure in pop music, he is not too precious with his ideas. Instead, he actively invites input from fellow songwriters, fostering an environment where everyone contributes. In one scene, as Sheeran and McDaid work on the lyrics for “Happier,” the back-and-forth is less about argument and more about fine-tuning. It’s an example of how Sheeran thrives not as a dictator of creative vision but as a facilitator of it. The takeaway here? Ed Sheeran is not just a solo artist—he’s the sum of many creative parts.

2. Capturing Raw Inspiration

If Songwriter has a central thesis, it’s that inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime. This is where Ed Sheeran’s genius shines the brightest. Throughout the documentary, we see Sheeran’s songwriting process unfold organically. Moments of inspiration arrive in the most mundane settings—a half-formed lyric comes during a casual conversation or while walking down the street. It’s these raw, unscripted moments that Sheeran turns into chart-topping anthems.

The creation of “Shape of You,” one of the biggest hits from ÷, serves as a testament to this spontaneity. What begins as an impromptu jam session with Blanco transforms, in real time, into a fully fleshed-out pop masterpiece. Sheeran initially resists including the track on the album, thinking it doesn’t fit his image. Yet, as Blanco and McDaid push him to reconsider, we witness the song’s evolution, its infectious beat slowly working its way into Sheeran’s instincts. This scene encapsulates one of the key lessons of Songwriter—the importance of remaining open to the unexpected, of embracing ideas that, at first glance, seem offbeat or out of character.

3. Crafting Melodies with Precision

While Sheeran’s approach to songwriting might seem spontaneous, Songwriter also exposes the other side of his creative process: sheer meticulousness. Sheeran doesn’t just stumble into a hit song—he chisels it from a rough block of inspiration, refining it over time. In one particularly enlightening moment, we watch him agonize over the precise melody for “Castle on the Hill.” The song begins as a skeletal idea—an ode to Sheeran’s teenage years in Framlingham—but grows layer by layer. Sheeran toys with guitar lines, loops beats, adjusts phrasing, and fine-tunes harmonies, all in pursuit of the perfect sonic expression.

This technical rigor might surprise those who see Sheeran as a laid-back, instinctive songwriter. The truth, as Songwriter reveals, is that even the most effortless-sounding tracks undergo countless revisions before Sheeran considers them complete. This painstaking attention to detail is the mark of a true craftsman—someone who understands that even the smallest tweak can transform a good song into a great one.

4. Personal Storytelling at the Core

Sheeran’s greatest strength as a songwriter is his ability to weave personal narratives into universal experiences. His songs resonate because they feel genuine, drawn from real life rather than manufactured for mass appeal. In Songwriter, we see the origins of some of Sheeran’s most personal tracks, including “Perfect,” a love song that feels as intimate as a whispered confession.

In the documentary, Sheeran recounts how the song was inspired by his relationship with his now-wife, Cherry Seaborn. Watching the song come to life, it becomes clear that Sheeran’s storytelling is not just an artistic exercise; it’s an emotional necessity. Whether he’s reflecting on love, loss, or longing, Sheeran writes to process his own experiences. This vulnerability is perhaps the key to his widespread appeal—listeners don’t just hear his songs; they feel them. By anchoring his music in personal truth, Sheeran creates an emotional bridge between himself and his audience, making each track feel like a shared experience.

5. The Evolution of ÷

One of the most fascinating aspects of Songwriter is its chronicle of how ÷ took shape. From rough acoustic demos to fully produced tracks, the documentary captures the album’s evolution in real-time. Each song undergoes its own transformation—some start as voice memos on Sheeran’s phone, others as rough ideas during studio jams. Over weeks and months, these fragments coalesce into the cohesive body of work that would become ÷.

The evolution of “Galway Girl” is a prime example. In one early scene, Sheeran toys with the song’s melody on an acoustic guitar, unsure of its direction. By the end of the film, it has morphed into a high-energy, folk-pop banger, complete with fiddles and infectious Irish rhythms. The transformation is staggering, a reminder that great art often begins in the simplest of places. What makes Songwriter so compelling is that it shows how the songs on ÷ were not born fully formed—they grew, changed, and matured over time, a testament to Sheeran’s relentless work ethic and refusal to settle for anything less than perfection.

6. A Look at Life on the Road

While Songwriter primarily focuses on Sheeran’s creative process, it also gives viewers a glimpse into his life on tour. The film juxtaposes quiet, reflective moments in the studio with the frenetic energy of live performances, offering a complete picture of Sheeran’s world. On tour, Sheeran faces the dual pressures of maintaining his creative flow while delivering high-energy performances night after night.

In one scene, Sheeran reflects on the challenges of being constantly on the move. Despite his love for performing, the rigors of the road take their toll. Yet, even in the midst of exhaustion, Sheeran remains focused on his music, often writing new material in hotel rooms or backstage between shows. This blend of perseverance and passion defines his character, offering a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and discipline required to sustain a career at the highest level.

Conclusion

Songwriter provides more than just a behind-the-scenes look at the making of ÷—it’s a masterclass in the art of songwriting itself. Through intimate footage and candid moments, the documentary reveals the multifaceted nature of Ed Sheeran’s creative process, from spontaneous bursts of inspiration to the painstaking revision and collaboration that turn ideas into timeless music. Sheeran’s journey, as depicted in Songwriter, is one of both artistic vision and relentless determination, a reminder that even the biggest pop stars are, at heart, dedicated craftsmen.

For fans, Songwriter offers a deeper appreciation for the effort and emotion behind ÷, pulling back the curtain on an album that has touched millions around the world. It’s a testament to Sheeran’s ability to find magic in everyday moments, turning life’s simplest experiences into songs that resonate on a universal level. Through collaboration, precision, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Ed Sheeran continues to redefine what it means to be a songwriter in the 21st century.