Ed Sheeran revealed that this album is inspired by events happening in the lives of his friends over the last few months, with each track being dedicated to a different friend. On this record, he captures the plight of a friend who seems to be going through a depressive spell. Over an instrumental produced by Aaron Dessner, he puts his friend’s despair into words, with the lingering question being the track’s title.
“Oh, I’ve been up all night / Thinkin’ ‘bout dyin’ / God is not on my side / But God knows I’m tryin’,” Ed Sheeran sings in the first verse. The lyrics clearly tell the story of someone whose mindset has been shaped into a pessimist by trials and tribulations. The protagonist comments about being stuck in an endless battle without the comfort of loved ones to help him through the tough times. He feels empty, devoid of hope and reason, leading him to ask “When Will I Be Alright?” in the chorus.
Ed Sheeran revealed that this album is inspired by events happening in the lives of his friends over the last few months, with each track being dedicated to a different friend. On this record, he captures the plight of a friend who seems to be going through a depressive spell. Over an instrumental produced by Aaron Dessner, he puts his friend’s despair into words, with the lingering question being the track’s title.
“Oh, I’ve been up all night / Thinkin’ ‘bout dyin’ / God is not on my side / But God knows I’m tryin’,” Ed Sheeran sings in the first verse. The lyrics clearly tell the story of someone whose mindset has been shaped into a pessimist by trials and tribulations. The protagonist comments about being stuck in an endless battle without the comfort of loved ones to help him through the tough times. He feels empty, devoid of hope and reason, leading him to ask “When Will I Be Alright?” in the chorus.