Ed Sheeran released ‘Boat’, a song described as an allegory of depression. The song follows ‘Eyes Closed’, the singer’s 14th UK chart topper.

‘Boat’ is the first song from the singer’s forthcoming album, ‘Subtract’, and the video – directed by Mia Barnes – features Ed Sheeran in the waves on a British beach.

The video mirrors the song’s lyrics, as the musician tries to break the cycle of grief: “They say all scars heal, but I know I might not,” Sheeran sings. “The waves will not break my boat.”

“‘Boat’ is the first song I wrote and completed for ‘Subtract,'” said the English singer-songwriter.

In a post announcing the album, Ed Sheeran explained that ‘Subtract’ reflects a period of turmoil. “I was swirling in fear, depression and anxiety, feeling like I was drowning, with my head below the surface, looking up but unable to breathe.”

Ed Sheeran recorded the album in February last year after experiencing various personal struggles.

“In early 2022, a series of events changed my life, my mental health and ultimately the way I viewed music and art,” the singer explained to his fans in an Instagram post, citing the loss of close friend Jamal Edwards and her diagnosis his pregnant wife with a tumor.