Addiction In Ed Sheeran's A Team

Crack cocaine is noted to be a “Class A” drug. In the 2000s, deaths from cocaine have ranged between 5,000 and 8,000 per year (National Institute on Drug Abuse). The number of deaths from all drugs have been steadily rising since 2002 (National Institute on Drug Abuse). People have been hooked on drugs since the 70s. Addicts have been known to do whatever necessary to get their “fix”. Singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran released the folk ballad, “A Team,” on his first album, +, in 2011 to portray the struggles during the life of an addict to people that are going through tough times. Sheeran uses imagery to illustrate the addict’s character. The character of the addict are often symptoms seen throughout other addicts. The purpose of “A Team” is to

It could be to a game, seeking approval, being a perfectionist, or to substances. “A Team” is a song that relates to the opioid crisis that many are facing today. Opioids are a class of drugs that include illegal drugs, synthetic opioids, and pain relievers obtained by prescription (National Institute on Drug Abuse). The abuse of opioids is an extremely serious health issue. Drug abuse is the leading cause of injury death in the United States (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Sheeran’s song can relate to those that have suffered from addiction. For example, addicts, family and friends of addicts, etc. 91 Americans die every day due to opioid abuse (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This song delivers an important message because drug abuse has always been a serious issue, and will most likely continue to be an important one. The lyrics of “A Team” are particularly important because the song creates an image of what the life of an addict is like. It allows someone who does not know what an addiction to drugs is like to take a peek into the mirror, and creates a chance to see just how strenuous it is to have an addiction eat at someone. Ed Sheeran saw a story from a true life experience and shared it with the world through his lyrics using imagery and diction. His song is an impromptu public service announcement to those that have to deal with addiction