Nancy Mulligan

The song Nancy Mulligan stands out for its deep personal connection, as it tells the story of Ed Sheeran's grandparents. William Sheeran, a Protestant from Belfast, and Anne "Nancy" Mulligan, a Catholic from the Republic of Ireland, fell in love during World War II. They got engaged and, despite no one attending their wedding, managed to marry at the Wexford border. A curious detail is that William, to buy a ring, melted down the gold teeth he had stolen from his dental office, while both wore borrowed clothes for the event. This story, full of love and sacrifice, inspired Sheeran to compose a melody that incorporates elements of Irish folk music, giving it a joyful and festive rhythm, like a jig.

Recorded in 2016, Nancy Mulligan is part of the deluxe edition of the album ÷, released in 2017. Alongside Beoga, a group that brings an authentic Irish sound, Sheeran aims to highlight folk roots in his pop music, something he has mentioned as a necessity in the industry. The song reached number 13 on the UK singles chart after the album's release. During his performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2017, Sheeran played this track, showcasing his commitment to Irish musical tradition.