Ed Sheeran’s latest single “Sapphire” is a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, complete with Punjabi lyrics, sitar melodies, and a heartfelt collaboration with Bollywood playback legend Arijit Singh. Released on June 5 as part of Sheeran’s upcoming album Play, the track is one of the most ambitious and emotionally resonant moments in his discography to date.
Brimming with South Asian rhythms and euphoric pop energy, “Sapphire” is a dance-floor-ready love song. Sheeran’s signature metaphors shine through verses like “Exploding like fireworks in the sky,” while the chorus turns playful and sultry as he croons: “Touchin’ on your body while you’re pushin’ on me / Don’t you end the party, I could do this all week / We’ll be dancin’ till the morning, go to bed, we won’t sleep.”
While his previous single “Azizam” leaned romantic and tender, “Sapphire” cranks up the heat! It’s flirtatious, charged, and drenched in joyful color. There’s still poetic depth too, with lines like: “Look what we found, Karma reached out / Into our hearts and pulled us to our feet now,” or “When the sun dies, till the day shines / When I’m with you, there’s not enough time.”
The track features soulful vocals and sitar instrumentation from Arijit Singh, who also stars in the music video. Shot across iconic Indian locations during Sheeran’s recent tour, from scenic beaches, riverbanks, and bustling markets to local kitchens and Bollywood backlots, the visuals radiate warmth, vibrancy, and cultural love.
One of the track’s most standout moments is Ed Sheeran singing in Punjabi: “ਚਮ-ਚਮ ਚਮਕੇ ਸਿਤਾਰੇ ਵਰਗੀ” (“Cham Cham Chamke Sitaare Vargi” or “They sparkle just like stars”). And a surprise cameo from none other than Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan adds a dash of stardust. Honestly, at this point, he’s halfway to earning honorary Indian citizenship.
Sheeran revealed that “Sapphire” was the first track completed for Play and set the tone for the rest of the album. The final version came together in Goa, surrounded by Indian musicians and collaborators. “The final jigsaw piece for me was getting Arijit on the record,” Sheeran shared.
“It was a journey to get there and such an amazing day of music and family… Me and him have done a full Punjabi version of the song that will come out in the next few weeks. This is the album version, and my favourite song on the album.”
The collaboration began in London and culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime studio session in Singh’s hometown in West Bengal. Sheeran recalled scootering through the village with his father and Arijit, learning Punjabi pronunciation, and sharing dinner together — calling it one of the “core memories” of his life.
Produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha, “Sapphire” is the third single from Play, following “Azizam” and “Old Phone.” The album drops on September 12, promising a more explorative, cross-cultural tone than his previous math-themed projects.
Watch the “Sapphire” music video on YouTube!
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