What Do I Know?

Ed Sheeran

About What Do I Know?

"What Do I Know?" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was included on his third studio album ÷ (2017). It was sent to radio in Australia. After the album's release it charted at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. Sheeran performed the song live with the cast of People Just Do Nothing on the telethon for Comic Relief 2017.


Year:
2017
3:57
1,398 
#19

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Ain't got a soapbox I can stand upon
But God gave me a stage, a guitar and a song
My daddy told me, "son, don't you get involved in
Politics, religions or other people's quotes"

I'll paint the picture, let me set the scene
I know when I have children they will know what it means
And I pass on these things my family's given to me
Just love and understanding, positivity

We could change this whole world with a piano
Add a bass, some guitar, grab a beat and away we go
I'm just a boy with a one-man show
No university, no degree, but lord knows
Everybody's talking 'bout exponential growth
And the stock market crashing in their portfolios
While I'll be sitting here with a song that I wrote
Sing, love could change the world in a moment
But what do I know?
Love can change the world in a moment
But what do I know?
Love can change the world in a moment

The revolution's coming, it's a minute away
I saw people marching in the streets today
You know we are made up of love and hate
But both of them are balanced on a razor blade

I'll paint the picture, let me set the scene
I know, I'm all for people following their dreams
Just re-remember life is more than fittin' in your jeans
It's love and understanding, positivity

We could change this whole world with a piano
Add a bass, some guitar, grab a beat and away we go
I'm just a boy with a one-man show
No university, no degree, but lord knows
Everybody's talking 'bout exponential growth
And the stock market crashing in their portfolios
While I'll be sitting here with a song I wrote
Sing, love could change the world in a moment
But what do I know?
Love can change the world in a moment
But what do I know?
Love can change the world in a moment

I'll paint the picture, let me set the scene
You know, the future's in the hands of you and me
So let's all get together, we can all be free
Spread love and understanding, positivity

We could change this whole world with a piano
Add a bass, some guitar, grab a beat and away we go
I'm just a boy with a one-man show
No university, no degree, but lord knows
Everybody's talking 'bout exponential growth
And the stock market crashing in their portfolios
While I'll be sitting here with a song I wrote
Sing, love could change the world in a moment
But what do I know?
Love can change the world in a moment
But what do I know?
Love can change the world in a moment

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Ed Sheeran

Edward Christopher "Ed" Sheeran (born 17 February 1991) is an English singer-songwriter and producer. He was born in Halifax, before moving to Framlingham. He learned to play guitar and started writing songs at a young age. He began recording in 2005 and moved to London in 2008 to pursue a music career. In 2009, he played 312 gigs. In early 2011, Sheeran released an independent extended play, No. 5 Collaborations Project which led him to be signed to Asylum / Atlantic Records. Buoyed by the commercial breakthrough of the singles "The A Team" and "Lego House", his debut album + has been certified quintuple platinum in the United Kingdom. In 2012, he won two BRIT Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist, and British Breakthrough of… more »

171 fans

Written by: John McDaid, Foy Best Vance, Edward Christopher Sheeran

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album details
"What Do I Know?" is a song from Ed Sheeran's third studio album "÷" (pronounced "divide"), which was released in March 2017.
Song genre
The track entails Sheeran’s delightful and catchy pop vibes, while simultaneously embracing thoughtful lyrics that promote unity and understanding.
Writing credits
Like most of his songs, "What Do I Know?" was written by Ed Sheeran himself, along with his principal collaborators – Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid.
Song theme
The song emphasizes spreading love and understanding through music while subtly criticizing the need for money and power.
Chart success
"What Do I Know?" managed to peak at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart in March 2017, despite never being released as a single.
Album success
Sheeran's "÷" album, featuring "What Do I Know?", was a massive hit, reaching multi-Platinum status in various countries and topped the album charts across the world, including the US and UK.
'One-Man band' performance
For live performances, Ed opts for a loop station to recreate the sounds of “What Do I Know?” similar to other songs in his repertoire. This creates a 'one-man band' effect.
Powerful message
Sheeran uses the song to express his belief in the power of music to bring people together and to influence social changes.
Insight into Sheeran's Life
The lyrics also reflect a part of Sheeran's life, when he went to university for a short while but dropped out to pursue his passion for music. When he sings "Everybody’s talking ‘bout exponential growth" and "profits", it's potentially a nod to the business and financial terminologies he may have encountered during his brief stint in college.
Cultural Impact
The song has been used in several promotional events and ad campaigns due to its appealing and uplifting chorus, promoting love and understanding.
Fan Interpretation
"What Do I Know?" is often interpreted by fans as Sheeran's disregard for figures and profits, and a gentle poke at those who are motivated by money rather than passion.

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    What Do I Know?

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2017

    Billboard #83


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