Ed Sheeran Bad Habits – The Meaning Behind the Hit Song

When Ed Sheeran released “Bad Habits” in June 2021, few anticipated just how dominant the track would become. The song paired an infectious dance-pop production with lyrics about addiction, late nights, and regret, creating a contrast that helped it stand out. Within weeks it topped charts across the globe and became one of the defining singles of Sheeran’s career.

The track arrived as the lead single from the deluxe edition of Sheeran’s fifth studio album, = (Equals). It marked a notable shift toward a more electronic, club-influenced sound. Yet beneath the upbeat tempo and synths, the song carries a confessional weight that Sheeran himself has acknowledged in interviews.

This article covers the lyrics meaning, release details, music video, chords, remix versions, and chart performance of “Bad Habits,” drawing on verified facts and official sources.

What is the meaning behind Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits”?

“Bad Habits” is widely understood as a song about addiction, temptation, and self-destructive behavior. Sheeran has described the track as dealing with his own struggles with drinking and the cycle of habits that take hold at night. The lyrics trace a pattern of relapse and regret: “Swearin’ this’ll be the last, but it probably won’t.”

Key lyrical themes

• Late nights and loss of control — “My bad habits lead to late nights endin’ alone” captures the loneliness that follows excess.
• Temptation and relapse — The narrator repeatedly vows to stop but admits the pattern will likely continue.
• Habit as a personified force — The song addresses the bad habit as “you,” making the temptation feel like a character in the story.
• Escapism and regret — The lyrics describe going too far and recognizing the consequences only after the fact.
• Contrast between sound and message — The upbeat, dance-pop production intentionally masks a darker, more personal confession.

Quick facts about “Bad Habits”

When was “Bad Habits” released and what album is it on?

“Bad Habits” was released on 25 June 2021 as the lead single from Sheeran’s fifth studio album, = (Equals). While the standard edition of the album does not include the track, it appears on the = (Tour Edition) deluxe release. The song was written by Ed Sheeran, Fred Gibson, and Johnny McDaid, and produced by Fred again and Ed Sheeran.

Who wrote and produced the song?

The writing credits include Ed Sheeran, Fred Gibson (who records as Fred again), and Johnny McDaid, a member of the band Snow Patrol who has co-written several of Sheeran’s hits. Production credits go to Fred again and Ed Sheeran. According to the Wikipedia article for “Bad Habits”, the track was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdowns, a period during which Sheeran sought to experiment with new sounds.

Is “Bad Habits” an original song?

Yes, “Bad Habits” is an original composition by Sheeran, Gibson, and McDaid. There are no samples or interpolations from other songs. It is not a cover or a reworked version of an existing track. The song was written specifically for the = album cycle.

What is the music video for “Bad Habits” about?

The official music video was released on the same day as the single, 25 June 2021. It was directed by Dave Meyers, a filmmaker known for his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish. The video features Ed Sheeran as a vampire, wearing a bright pink suit and heavy prosthetic makeup.

Concept and symbolism

The vampire concept functions as a metaphor for nightlife, feeding on impulses, and habit-driven behavior. Sheeran’s character stalks the streets of a surreal, candy-colored London, drawn by temptation. The visual style is intentionally exaggerated and theatrical, which contrasts with the darker underlying message of the lyrics. The video was filmed in Catford, South East London at the Catford Centre.

Fans have offered various interpretations of the vampire imagery. Some see it as a literal representation of how bad habits “feed” on a person. Others view it as a commentary on the performative nature of nightlife. The official music video on YouTube has amassed hundreds of millions of views, making it one of Sheeran’s most-watched videos.

How to play “Bad Habits” on guitar?

“Bad Habits” is built on a repeating chord progression in A minor with a tempo of 126 BPM. The song’s dance-pop production relies on a looped harmonic structure that is relatively straightforward for guitar players at an intermediate level.

What key and tempo is the song in?

The song is in the key of A minor at a tempo of 126 BPM. The harmony and rhythm are built around a club-oriented, upbeat feel that supports the dance-driven production. This marks a departure from Sheeran’s earlier acoustic-driven work, drawing closer to the sound of contemporary pop and synth-pop.

Chord progression for guitar

While exact chord voicings differ across arrangements, the song centers on a repeating progression in A minor. The structure is looped throughout most of the track, making it a good choice for players who want to practice rhythm and timing. Detailed tabs are available on sites like Genius, which also provides annotated lyrics that can help players connect the chords to the song’s meaning.

Are there remixes of “Bad Habits”?

Several notable remixes and alternate versions of “Bad Habits” were released after the original single. These versions helped extend the song’s reach beyond pop audiences and kept it in rotation well into 2022.

UK drill remix with Tion Wayne and Central Cee

A UK drill remix was released on 12 August 2021, featuring Tion Wayne and Central Cee. This version reworked the track into a harder, drill-influenced sound and was promoted as a major remix in the UK market. It gave the song a distinctly different rhythmic identity while keeping Sheeran’s original vocal hook.

Heavy metal version with Bring Me the Horizon

After a live performance at the 2022 BRIT Awards, Ed Sheeran and Bring Me the Horizon released a heavy metal studio version of “Bad Habits.” This version transformed the song into a much heavier rock and metal arrangement, with distorted guitars, aggressive drums, and screamed vocals. The collaboration was well received by fans of both artists and highlighted Sheeran’s willingness to experiment across genres.

How did “Bad Habits” perform on the charts?

“Bad Habits” became one of the biggest hits of 2021, topping charts in multiple countries and accumulating billions of streams. Its commercial performance marked a strong comeback for Sheeran after a period of relative quiet following the “No.6 Collaborations Project” era.

1. 25 June 2021 — “Bad Habits” is released as a single worldwide.
2. June 2021 — The official music video premieres on YouTube, directed by Dave Meyers.
3. July 2021 — The song reaches No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
4. August 2021 — “Bad Habits” peaks at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
5. February 2022 — Sheeran performs the song live at the Brit Awards, later releasing the Bring Me the Horizon version.
6. March 2022 — The heavy metal remix with Bring Me the Horizon is released as a studio single.
7. 2023 — The single is certified 4x Platinum in the UK.
8. 2024 — “Bad Habits” surpasses 1.5 billion streams on Spotify.

The song also topped the Billboard Global 200 and reached No. 1 in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. It became one of Sheeran’s most commercially successful singles and helped define the sound of the = album era.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about “Bad Habits”?

Most factual details about the song are well documented, but some aspects remain open to interpretation. The table below separates what is established from what is uncertain or subjective.

What is the broader context of “Bad Habits” in Ed Sheeran’s career?

“Bad Habits” marked a deliberate shift from Ed Sheeran’s acoustic-pop roots toward a more electronic, dance-influenced sound. Written during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the song reflects Sheeran’s desire to experiment with new production styles. Critics praised the production but noted the contrast between the upbeat music and the melancholic, confessional lyrics.

The song’s commercial success demonstrated Sheeran’s ability to evolve with pop trends while maintaining lyrical authenticity. It drew comparisons to artists like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd in terms of its club-ready production. Sheeran has stated that if the song is performed slowly on piano, the confessional nature becomes much more apparent. The track also helped define the rollout of the = (Equals) album era, leading into subsequent singles like “Shivers” and “The Joker and the Queen.”

For a full overview of the song from release through chart milestones, see Ed Sheeran “Bad Habits” – lyrics meaning, release date, music video, chords, remix & chart performance.

What do official sources say about “Bad Habits”?

Several authoritative sources provide verified information about the song. The Wikipedia entry for “Bad Habits” is the most comprehensive source for release date, chart data, credits, and certifications. The Genius lyrics page offers line-by-line annotations that explore possible meanings. The official YouTube video provides the music video in its highest quality, and the Spotify page lists track length and credits.

“Bad Habits is about that conflict between wanting to have fun and knowing it’s not good for you.”

— Ed Sheeran (commonly cited in interviews around the song’s release)

The official SoundCloud page also hosts the audio track and provides an additional streaming option for listeners who prefer that platform.

What makes “Bad Habits” a defining song of Ed Sheeran’s career?

“Bad Habits” represents a pivot point in Ed Sheeran’s discography. It proved he could succeed in a more electronic, dance-oriented space without losing the lyrical vulnerability his audience expects. The song’s contrast between upbeat production and serious subject matter, its memorable music video, and its multiple remix versions all contributed to its lasting impact. With over 1.5 billion Spotify streams and multi-platinum certifications in several countries, it ranks among the most successful singles of his career. For a full overview from lyrics to chart milestones, read Ed Sheeran “Bad Habits” – full song overview.

Frequently asked questions about “Bad Habits”