Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud - 2014

Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud (2014)

Thinking Out Loud is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. Released in 2014, it became a significant hit and remains one of Sheeran's most popular songs. This course will delve into various aspects of "Thinking Out Loud", including its creation, musical structure, lyrics, and impact.

Background and Release

Ed Sheeran co-wrote Thinking Out Loud with Amy Wadge, a Welsh singer-songwriter. The song is known for its romantic lyrics and soulful melody, drawing inspiration from classic soul music. It was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and winning awards, including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2016.

Musical Composition

The song features a soft melody and is predominantly played on an acoustic guitar. Its music composition is noted for its simplicity and effectiveness in conveying the song's romantic theme. Sheeran's vocal performance in the song has been widely praised.

Lyrics and Theme

The lyrics of "Thinking Out Loud" speak of long-lasting love and commitment. The song is often used in weddings and romantic occasions due to its heartwarming and affectionate lyrics.

Impact and Reception

"Thinking Out Loud" received critical acclaim for its composition, lyrics, and Sheeran's vocal performance. It has also been noted for its widespread use in popular culture, particularly in weddings and romantic settings.

MOOCit

Interactive Tasks

Quiz: Questions on the song

What year was "Thinking Out Loud" released? (2014) (!2012) (!2016) (!2010)

Which instrument predominantly features in "Thinking Out Loud"? (Acoustic guitar) (!Piano) (!Violin) (!Drums)

Who co-wrote "Thinking Out Loud" with Ed Sheeran? (Amy Wadge) (!Taylor Swift) (!John Mayer) (!Elton John)

For which award did "Thinking Out Loud" win a Grammy in 2016? (Song of the Year) (!Best Pop Solo Performance) (!Record of the Year) (!Best Music Video)

What is a central theme of "Thinking Out Loud"? (Long-lasting love) (!Travel and adventure) (!Heartbreak and loss) (!Celebration and joy)

Quiz: Questions on the Performer

What nationality is Ed Sheeran? (English) (!American) (!Australian) (!Irish)

In which English county did Ed Sheeran grow up? (Suffolk) (!Yorkshire) (!Kent) (!Lancashire)

Which of the following albums does "Thinking Out Loud" appear on? (X) (!Divide) (!Multiply) (!Plus)

Before becoming famous, Ed Sheeran was known for performing in which setting? (Street busking) (!Broadway shows) (!Television contests) (!Jazz clubs)

Which musical genre is Ed Sheeran primarily associated with? (Pop and folk) (!Heavy metal) (!Classical) (!Rap)

Quiz: Questions on the lyrics

Complete the lyrics: "And, darling, I will be loving you 'til we're..." (70) (!90) (!60) (!80)

Which of the following is a repeated line in "Thinking Out Loud"? ("Heart's still falling as hard at 23") (!"Love can conquer any distance") (!"Time stands still in your arms") (!"Dancing in the moonlight")

The lyrics "Take me into your loving arms" suggest a theme of? (Comfort and affection) (!Adventure and excitement) (!Nostalgia and memory) (!Separation and longing)

What does the line "We found love right where we are" imply in the song? (Contentment with current love) (!Searching for new love) (!Regret over past love) (!Hope for future love)

"Thinking Out Loud" opens with which lyrics? ("When your legs don't work like they used to before") (!"Settle down with me, cover me up, cuddle me in") (!"I found a love for me") (!"Tell me that you turned down the man")

Memory

Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic. Insert suitable texts (at least 5 pairs) using exactly the following format, write only the text and leave no characters out, do not transform anything into a table, etc.

Year of Release	2014
Co-writer	Amy Wadge
Main Instrument	Acoustic Guitar
Grammy Award 2016	Song of the Year
Central Theme	Long-lasting Love

Open Tasks

Easy

Create a Cover Version: Record your own cover version of "Thinking Out Loud" using an acoustic guitar or piano.
Lyric Analysis: Write a short essay on the theme of lasting love in "Thinking Out Loud."
Ed Sheeran's Discography: Research and create a timeline of Ed Sheeran's music career, focusing on his major albums and singles.

Standard

Songwriting: Compose your own song inspired by the themes and style of "Thinking Out Loud."
Musical Analysis: Analyze the chord progression and musical structure of "Thinking Out Loud."
Comparative Study: Compare "Thinking Out Loud" with another Ed Sheeran song, discussing similarities and differences in themes and musical style.

Difficult

Music Video Creation: Create a music video for "Thinking Out Loud," focusing on its themes of romance and commitment.
Critical Review: Write a critical review of "Thinking Out Loud," discussing its impact on contemporary music and popular culture.
Live Performance: Organize a live performance of "Thinking Out Loud," including planning, rehearsals, and execution.

Oral Exam

Impact of Music on Society: Discuss how songs like "Thinking Out Loud" influence societal views on romance and relationships.
Songwriting Techniques: Explain the techniques used in "Thinking Out Loud" that make it an effective love song.
Ed Sheeran's Artistic Evolution: Discuss the evolution of Ed Sheeran's music style and themes over his career.
Music and Emotion: Explore how "Thinking Out Loud" evokes emotions and memories in listeners.
Global Music Influence: Analyze the global impact of Ed Sheeran's music, focusing on "Thinking Out Loud."