: Sheeran has stated that the song was influenced by the direct, driving sound of Snow Patrol and the storytelling style of Bruce Springsteen's "The River". Notable Lyrics

: A significant portion of the song provides a "status update" on the friends he grew up with, acknowledging their different paths—some successful, others struggling with addiction or personal loss.

: "I'm on my way / Driving at 90 down those country lanes / Singing to 'Tiny Dancer'".