Life Goes On (Ed Sheeran song)

"Life Goes On" is a song written and recorded by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released on 12 May 2023 through Asylum and Atlantic Records as the third single from his fifth studio album, − ("Subtract") after a duet version featuring American singer-songwriter Luke Combs was released that same day. The song was produced by Aaron Dessner. The official music video for the solo version of the song premiered alongside all the remaining videos for every song on the album on 5 May 2023, the same day the album was released.

"Life Goes On"
Single by Ed Sheeran featuring Luke Combs
from the album −
Released	12 May 2023 (2023-05-12)
Length	3:30
Label	Asylum Atlantic
Songwriter(s)	Ed Sheeran
Producer(s)	Aaron Dessner
Ed Sheeran singles chronology
"Boat" (2023) "Life Goes On" (2023) "A Beautiful Game" (2023)
Luke Combs singles chronology
"Different 'Round Here" (2023) "Life Goes On" (2023) "Where the Wild Things Are" (2023)
Music video
"Life Goes On" on YouTube

Background

Sheeran announced the song alongside the album on 1 March 2023, setting up several pre-order opportunities.^[1] On 11 May, he talked about Combs before hinting about the collaboration and added that he would love to transition into country music.^[2] Later that day, the two artists performed the duet version of the song at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.^[3] In 2024 the song was used in ITV soap Emmerdale during the funeral of long term character Heath Hope.

Composition and lyrics

The song was written about Sheeran's friend Jamal Edwards, after he died from arrhythmia. In the duet version of the song, he and Combs sing together: "To tell me how, how my life goes on with you gone? / I suppose I'll sink like a stone / If you leave me now, oh, the storms will roll / Easy come, hard go, then life goes on".^[4]

Charts

Chart performance for "Life Goes On"

Chart (2023)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)[5]	23
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[6]	27
Global 200 (Billboard)[7]	95
Ireland (IRMA)[8]	19
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[9]	33
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)[10]	15
UK Singles (OCC)[11]	29
US Billboard Hot 100[12]	66
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[13]	59
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[14]	47

Certifications

Certifications for "Life Goes On"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[15]	Platinum	70,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[16]	Platinum	80,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[17]	Silver	200,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

1. Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (1 March 2023). "New Ed Sheeran album, Subtract, informed by 'fear, depression and anxiety'". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
2. Newman, Melinda (11 May 2023). "Ed Sheeran 'Would Love to Transition Into Country'". Billboard. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
3. Singh, Surej (12 May 2023). "Ed Sheeran eyes "transition into country" music, shares new version of 'Life Goes On' with Luke Combs". NME. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
4. Aniftos, Rania (11 May 2023). "Ed Sheeran & Luke Combs Team Up for Heartfelt 'Life Goes On' Duet at 2023 ACM Awards". Billboard. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
5. "Ed Sheeran – Life Goes On". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
6. "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
7. "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
8. "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
9. "Ed Sheeran – Life Goes On". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
10. "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 19". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
11. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
12. "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
13. "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
14. "Ed Sheeran Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
15. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
16. "Canadian single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Life Goes On". Music Canada. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
17. "British single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Life Goes On". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 10 May 2024.