Ed Sheeran

Lyrics

[Chorus]
She played the fiddle in an Irish band
But she fell in love with an English man
Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand
Said, "Baby, I just wanna dance"

[Verse 1]
I met her on Grafton Street right outside of the bar
She shared a cigarette with me while her brother played the guitar
She asked me what does it mean, the Gaelic ink on your arm?
Said it was one of my friend's songs, do you wanna drink on?
She took Jamie as a chaser, Jack for the fun
She got Arthur on the table with Johnny riding a shotgun
Chatted some more, one more drink at the bar
Then put Van on the jukebox, got up to dance

[Chorus]
You know, she played the fiddle in an Irish band
But she fell in love with an English man
Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand
Said, "Baby, I just wanna dance"
With my pretty little Galway Girl
You're my pretty little Galway Girl

[Verse 2]
You know she beat me at darts and then she beat me at pool
And then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room
As last orders were called was when she stood on the stool
After dancing the céili singing to trad tunes
I never heard Carrickfergus ever sung so sweet
A cappella in the bar using her feet for a beat
Oh, I could have that voice playing on repeat for a week
And in this packed out room, swear she was singing to me
[Chorus]
You know, she played the fiddle in an Irish band
But she fell in love with an English man
Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand
Said, "Baby, I just wanna dance"
My pretty little Galway Girl
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Galway Girl
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Galway Girl
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Galway Girl

[Verse 3]
And now we've outstayed our welcome and it's closing time
I was holding her hand, her hand was holding mine
Our coats both smell of smoke, whisky and wine
As we fill up our lungs with the cold air of the night
I walked her home then she took me inside
To finish some Doritos and another bottle of wine
I swear I'm gonna put you in a song that I write
About a Galway Girl and a perfect night

[Chorus]
She played the fiddle in an Irish band
But she fell in love with an English man
Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand
Said, "Baby, I just wanna dance"
My pretty little Galway Girl
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Galway Girl
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Galway Girl
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Galway Girl (Hey)

Galway Girl

Ed Sheeran's hit song, "Galway Girl," is a captivating blend of Irish folk tradition and his signature acoustic pop style. With catchy lyrics and infectious melodies, this song transports listeners to an Irish pub, where a fateful encounter between a man and a beautiful Galway Girl takes place. Sheeran's love for Ireland and its musical heritage shines through in this track, showcasing his ability to incorporate different genres seamlessly and create an instant crowd-pleaser.

About Galway Girl

"Galway Girl" is a song that Ed Sheeran fought for, determined to include it on his album. In an interview with GQ, Sheeran expressed his belief that this song, influenced by Van Morrison's "Irish Heartbeat," would become a massive hit. The term "Galway Girl" refers to a woman from Galway, characterized by her black hair and blue eyes. The inspiration for the term comes from Steve Earle's song of the same title.

One notable aspect of "Galway Girl" is the collaboration with the award-winning Irish folk band, Beoga. They not only contributed as co-writers but also added their musical expertise, playing instruments like the fiddle, pipe, bodhran, and piano. Sheeran spoke highly of this collaboration, recognizing the unique energy and traditional Irish sound that Beoga brought to the song.

The creation of "Galway Girl" involved a serendipitous process. Sheeran, along with Foy Vance, Johnny McDaid, and Amy Wadge, were recording in Suffolk when Beoga joined them to work on other songs. It was during this session that Sheeran had the idea of incorporating Beoga's song, "Minute 5," into "Galway Girl." The result was a brilliant fusion of their talents, adding an extra layer of authenticity to an already captivating track.

"Galway Girl" is a testament to Sheeran's ability to create music that resonates with people on a deep level. With its lively melodies and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures the joy and excitement of a chance encounter in an Irish pub. Sheeran's passion for Ireland and its musical roots is evident throughout the song, making it a favorite among both his fans and lovers of Irish folk music.

As Sheeran predicted, "Galway Girl" became a massive success, not only in Ireland but worldwide. Its infectious energy and memorable chorus make it impossible to resist dancing along. The song's popularity has solidified its place as a staple in Sheeran's live performances, often serving as an encore that brings the crowd to their feet.

The success of "Galway Girl" speaks to the universal appeal of music that bridges different cultures and genres. Sheeran's ability to blend Irish folk with his own pop sensibilities showcases his creativity as an artist. Through this song, he invites listeners to join him on a musical journey that celebrates the joy of spontaneous connections and the power of a shared love for music.

So, put on your dancing shoes and let Ed Sheeran's "Galway Girl" transport you to an Irish pub, where the fiddle plays, the spirits are high, and the Galway Girl awaits. This song's infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics will have you singing and dancing along, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

• Release Date: March 3, 2017
• Artist: Ed Sheeran