Outer Space #1- Prompt 1
The song that I’m choosing to write about is a song by Ed Sheeran titled ‘Castle on the Hill.” While this song is very new, it instantly had an impact on me because of how detailed and personal the lyrics were. Although it doesn’t mention the place by name, this song serves as a tribute to Ed Sheeran’s childhood and life experiences in his English hometown of Framlingham. From the opening line, Sheeran reflects on when he was a kid and he broke his leg at six years old. He talks about his old friends, his first kiss, his first broken heart, etc. In the chorus, he reminisces about driving home on country roads, listening to “Tiny Dancer” and watching the sunset over the castle on the hill with someone he loved by his side. He finishes every verse with saying how he can’t wait to go back home.
As a listener, the song gives you a personal insight into Sheeran’s upbringing, more so than most songs ever do. I’ve never personally been to Sheeran’s English hometown. However, it resonates so well because it makes you as a listener reflect back on your own experiences, your own childhood and the things that make your hometown home.
As I listen to ‘Castle on the Hill,’ it not only has a great melody, but it instantly gets me thinking about the memories and friends I had growing up. I remember waking up every Sunday and going to church with my family, then spending the rest of the day soaking up the sun on the beach and having ice cream for dinner. I remember learning to drive, getting my first truck at 16 and driving my friends all around town doing whatever nonsense we used to do. I remember bickering and always making up 5 minutes later with my older brother who has grown to be my best friend. I think about high school, the friends I had and where they are now, playing soccer and winning a state championship for my hometown alongside my teammates. Just like Sheeran recalls watching the sunset over the castle on the hill, I remember watching the sunset almost every night I could from the bench at the river park on my street. And also just like Sheeran, not all of the memories are good but that’s what makes the place and the song that much better.
Although I can’t directly relate to Ed Sheeran’s exact experiences in his hometown, this song is so relatable because it immediately brings me back to my own memories. It allows me to keep the theme of the song the same but replace his words with my own. Even though I’m only a few hours away from home here at school, I get so excited for the chances I do get to go back home and this song describes that feeling perfectly.
I’m from Melbourne Beach, FL on the East Coast, and attached are a few pictures I’ve taken from my awesome little hometown. I’ll also post the song below.