Galway Girl

When Ed Sheeran set out to create ÷ (Divide), his third studio album, he aimed not only to capture his musical ideas but also to explore sounds that resonated with his roots. In this context, the song Galway Girl stands out as a fascinating point of convergence. The recording of this track, which took place between 2015 and 2016, was a collaborative process where Sheeran joined forces with the Irish folk band Beoga. The influence of traditional Irish music is unmistakable, and indeed, the song incorporates fragments of "Minute 5", a piece by Beoga from their album How to Tune a Fish (2011). The idea of blending these elements arose spontaneously. After finishing another song together at Sheeran’s home, with some free time on their hands, the possibility of creating something new was suggested. The main melody, that distinctive riff, came from "Minute 5", and the decision to integrate it gave Galway Girl a unique sonic identity, merging Irish folk with the pop rap and R&B that define Sheeran’s style.

The release of Galway Girl as the third single from ÷ on March 17, 2017, coincided with St. Patrick’s Day, a detail that underscores its connection to Irish culture. Despite his record label initially doubting its commercial potential, Sheeran stood by the song, arguing that there was a market niche for this kind of music, citing the success of The Corrs. The gamble paid off: Galway Girl became a global hit, topping charts in 31 countries. It reached number one in Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and Slovakia, and secured second place in the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, and Poland. Its presence on year-end lists was notable, ranking among the top five in Belgium, Denmark, Slovenia, and the UK, and within the top 10 in Australia, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, and Sweden. This recognition also translated into certifications, earning Platinum or multi-Platinum status in 13 countries. The lyrics, which evoke the image of a violinist in an Irish band, were inspired by Niamh Dunne of Beoga, though the rest of the narrative is fictional. Sheeran, despite being English, has Irish ancestry through his father, adding a personal layer to this musical connection.