The 3 A.M. Songwriting Session That Led To A Surprise Hit With Ed Sheeran

April 1, 2025

It was a chilly night in London, the kind of night where you could almost see your breath in the air. The clock struck 3 a.m., and while most of the world was sound asleep, Ed Sheeran sat alone in his small, cozy apartment, surrounded by crumpled sheets of paper filled with half-written lyrics. The dim light of a single lamp flickered as he strummed his guitar, feeling both inspired and frustrated. He had been working tirelessly on his next album, but nothing seemed to click. Each melody felt flat, like a puzzle with missing pieces.

Just as he was about to give up for the night, Ed remembered a conversation he had with his friend, a fellow musician who had once told him, “Sometimes, you just gotta let the night take you where it wants to go.” With renewed determination, he poured another cup of tea and decided to push through the creative block. He closed his eyes, cleared his mind, and let the music guide him. Suddenly, a spark ignited within him, and a catchy melody floated to the surface.

As the notes danced in his head, Ed began to write lyrics that echoed his deepest feelings of love and longing. He thought about the people he had loved and lost, and how those experiences shaped him into the person he was today. With each strum of his guitar, the song took shape, turning into something magical. Hours slipped by unnoticed until, finally, he felt a surge of accomplishment. It was a song bursting with raw emotion, the kind that could make anyone feel heard and understood.

The next day, Ed decided to share his creation with a few trusted friends in the industry. When he played the song for them, their eyes lit up with excitement. They couldn’t believe how powerful the lyrics were and urged him to record it immediately. Moments like these had always been rare for Ed, who had faced countless rejections early in his career. But now, he felt a flicker of hope. With their encouragement, he wasted no time in heading to the studio, laying down the track with all the passion he could muster.

When the song was released a few weeks later, it quickly took the world by storm. Fans connected with the heartfelt lyrics and catchy chorus, singing along at the top of their lungs. Ed watched in disbelief as it climbed the charts, becoming a surprise hit. This unexpected success changed everything for him. He went from performing in small pubs to selling out arenas around the globe. The feeling of being recognized and celebrated was surreal, but it also reminded him that hard work and perseverance truly pay off.

Reflecting on that fateful 3 a.m. songwriting session, Ed felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It taught him the importance of resilience and believing in himself, even when the road seemed tough. The late-night struggle transformed into a beautiful journey, one where his music resonated with millions. Ed realized that sometimes, you just need to embrace the darkness of the night to find your brightest light. That single moment of inspiration not only soared his career to new heights but also reminded him why he fell in love with music in the first place: to express feelings, connect with others, and bring a little hope into the world.