Sapphire (song)
| "Sapphire" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Ed Sheeran featuring Arijit Singh | ||||
| from the album Play | ||||
| Released | 5 June 2025 | |||
| Length | 2:59 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) |
| |||
| Ed Sheeran singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Sapphire" on YouTube | ||||
"Sapphire" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran featuring Indian playback singer Arijit Singh.[1][2] It was released on 5 June 2025 as the third single from Sheeran's upcoming studio album, Play, through Gingerbread Man Records and Atlantic Records UK. The track marks Sheeran's first collaboration with an Indian artist and is noted for its blend of Western pop and Punjabi musical influences.[3][4][5]
Background
[edit]"Sapphire" was the first track recorded for Sheeran's upcoming album Play, setting the direction for the entire album.[4] He recorded much of it in Goa with Indian musicians and filmed the accompanying video during his tour across India, aiming to reflect the country's beauty and culture. He added that collaborating with Arijit Singh was the "final jigsaw piece" in bringing the song to life.[6]
Composition
[edit]"Sapphire" is a rhythmic and vibrant track that blends Indian cultural elements with Sheeran's signature pop sensibilities, featuring traditional instrumentation and lyrical nods throughout. This cross-cultural approach follows his previous single "Azizam", which drew from Persian and Irish influences.[7]
Music video
[edit]The music video for "Sapphire" was directed by Liam Pethick and filmed across various cities in India, including Kolkata, Shillong and Hyderabad. It features Sheeran participating in Indian street culture—riding auto-rickshaws, playing football with children, and exploring busy markets. Arijit Singh appears throughout the video, including a scene where he shares a scooter ride with Sheeran. The video ends with a cameo appearance by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who lip-syncs part of the chorus, drawing widespread attention.[4]
Reception
[edit]The song received positive reviews from critics and fans for its cross-cultural fusion and catchy melody. The music video quickly went viral, garnering over 12 million views on YouTube within its first two days. Sheeran’s Punjabi vocals were widely praised on social media, and Shah Rukh Khan’s surprise appearance was celebrated by fans around the world.[5]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[8] | 99 |
References
[edit]- ^ Dailey, Hannah (6 June 2025). "Ed Sheeran Drops New Song 'Sapphire' With Desi Beats and Arijit Singh Vocals". Billboard. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (6 June 2025). "Ed Sheeran Celebrates India on Rousing Single 'Sapphire'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (5 June 2025). "Ed Sheeran Speaks Punjabi on New Song 'Sapphire,' His 'Favorite' Track on Upcoming Album 'Play'". Billboard. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Ed Sheeran sings with Shah Rukh Khan and Arijit Singh in music video for Sapphire". The Indian Express. 5 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.[unreliable source?]
- ^ a b "Ed Sheeran drops new song Sapphire with desi beats, Arijit Singh vocals. All Shah Rukh Khan fans care about is his cameo". Hindustan Times. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.[unreliable source?]
- ^ Skinner, Tom (6 June 2025). "Listen to Ed Sheeran's dazzling new single 'Sapphire'". NME. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ Nathwani, Ayushi (6 June 2025). "Ed Sheeran delivers a heartwarming tribute to Indian culture in "Sapphire"". Melodic Magazine. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
Ed Sheeran songs | |
|---|---|
| + | |
| x |
|
| ÷ | |
| No.6 Collaborations Project | |
| = |
|
| − |
|
| Autumn Variations | |
| Play | |
| Other songs | |
| Featured songs |
|
