“Dusty” by Ed Sheeran

If there’s any group of people who can help remind us that life in and of itself is precious, that would be children.

So the thesis sentiment of “Dusty” in a manner of speaking, i.e. Ed Sheeran being able to celebrate enjoying quality time with his firstborn, Lyra, who as of the release of this track on 5 May 2023 is only two years old. And he is expressing that sentiment against the implied backdrop of being incurably depressed if she were not around.

As has been documented by the press, Sheeran has been going through various personal tribulations, such as the death of a loved one, a cancer diagnosis for another and a lawsuit that could have cost him millions of dollars. It is that first trauma specifically, i.e. the death of Jamal Edwards (1990-2022), that went on to serve as the emotional premise behind this track.

So when Ed puts forth that “yesterday was a long night”, we understand that despite his fame and fortune he still knows how it feels to experience such hardships. But all of that stress and tension is alleviated, even if momentarily, via the “beautiful smile” of his daughter, as they enjoy mornings together.

That setting includes “frost on the leaves like a lake”, which may be a literal expression since we know Ed sometimes likes to spend time in the freezing cold. But, using our imaginations a bit, perhaps it can also be postulated that he’s referring to Frosted Flakes, i.e. the popular breakfast cereal.

“Drop the needle on Dusty
Frost on the leaves like a lake
The moment came out of nothin’
A beautiful smile on your face
Yesterday was a long night
But I got a feeling that the future is so bright
All of the pressure washed away in the low tide
But we gotta wait till our clothes are bone dry”

Part of the morning routine between he and Lyra also includes listening to music, i.e. of the old variety that would have been on vinyl. And as the title of this track indicates, in this particular case that would be enjoying the tunes of Dusty Springfield (1939-1999), a classic singer from Sheeran’s homeland of England. And in spending such time with his daughter, the vocalist’s lost hope in the future has now been refreshed.

VARIOUS FACTS SURROUNDING “DUSTY”

As of this writing, Ed Sheeran actually has two daughters with Cherry Seaborn, whom he married in January of 2019.  The first, Lyra, was born in August of 2020. And the second, Jupiter, entered the world during May of 2022.

Ed Sheeran wrote “Dusty” with American musician Aaron Dessner, who also produced the track.

Partner labels Atlantic Records and Asylum Records, whom Sheeran has been signed to since 2011, made this song public on 5 May 2023 as part of the singer’s album, which is titled – (Subtract).

– (Subtract) was formally released on May 5th 2023 as Sheeran’s sixth studio album. Prior to its release, the following songs from the album were released as its official singles:

“Eyes Closed”

“Boat”