Radio
Ed Sheeran Lyrics

Hi, my name is JME
Introduction of the artist, JME.

there was a time when radio played me
The artist had a time when his music was played on the radio.

'Cause my music came from my heart
The artist's music is genuine and comes from his heart.

it was real to me but now it's a par
The artist's music used to be important to him but not anymore.

I'm here struggling, keeping it real,
The artist is struggling to keep his music authentic.

While the rest of them are hustling, seeking a deal
Most artists are more focused on making deals and money than staying true to their music.

Sometimes I sit back and think
The artist takes the time to reflect on his music and career.

"JME just do one tune, make a couple G's and chill"
The artist sometimes considers making music just for the money and taking a break.

The reason I started making music
The artist remembers his original motivation for making music.

is the exact same reason that I'll never do it, I swear
The artist will never give up on making authentic music.

I didn't go through all that for this
The artist did not work hard on his music just to end up making music that he does not believe in.

I'll give that a miss, that's just how it is, I'm fair, straight
The artist chooses to make music that he believes in and will not compromise his values for anyone.

Who could tell me different? look at me, determined, man on a mission
The artist is confident in his own choices and has a goal he is working towards.

my music is me and I am my music
The artist's music is a part of him and reflects who he is as a person.

So like it or lump it, I'ma do this
The artist will continue to make music that he believes in whether people like it or not.

Thank God for night clubs and the raves
The artist is grateful that his music is still appreciated in nightclubs and raves.

'Cause I don't think they like us on the airwaves
The artist feels like his type of music is not often played on mainstream radio.

Unless we water it down, but cordial music is boring me now
The artist refuses to compromise his music just to be played on the radio.

I guess it matters what your goal is
The artist acknowledges that different artists have different goals for their music.

Or in this music scene, what your role is
The artist believes that different artists have different roles in the music industry.

I'm still trying here 'cause I'm a pioneer
The artist is still striving to make his mark in the music industry.

I use my mouth less than I use my eyes and ears
The artist listens and observes more than he speaks.

See I'm just telling you the truth
The artist is being honest and upfront about his perspective on the music industry.

you can't shoot the messenger, bullet-proof booth
The artist is confident in his message and will not let criticism discourage him.

You won't hear me on the radio,
The artist's music is not often played on mainstream radio.

But go to the rave and the crowd, they're raising roof
The artist's music is still popular among fans at raves and clubs.

Why is that? What's going on there?
The artist wonders why his music is not played on mainstream radio but is still appreciated in other settings.

To tell you the truth, I don't really care
The artist is not concerned with whether or not his music is played on mainstream radio.

I am my music, my music is me
The artist's music is a reflection of who he is as a person.

Like it or not, this is how it's gonna be
The artist will continue to make music that he believes in even if others do not like it.

I feel it on the airwave, spinning on the dial
The artist can sense the absence of his music on mainstream radio.

Bleeding through the speakers, written by the pile
The artist feels like mainstream radio often plays generic, formulaic music.

So won't you hear me out?
The artist wants people to listen to his music even if it's not played on mainstream radio.

Never feel it from the bass line, feel it in the club
The artist's music is better appreciated in a live setting than on mainstream radio.

Maybe I could take time singing for the dub
The artist is open to experimenting with different genres and styles of music.

Are you gonna play me, though?
The artist questions whether or not his music will be played on mainstream radio.

This song was never meant for the radio
The artist did not create this song with mainstream radio in mind.

I get in, forget a radio spin
The artist is not concerned with whether or not his music is played on mainstream radio.

I'm just doing my thing
The artist is focused on making the music that he believes in.

And I don't have time for a playlist
The artist does not feel the need to conform to mainstream radio's playlist.

How much will you pay me though?
The artist is questioning how much he will be compensated for his music if it is played on mainstream radio.

The song was not a hit on the radio
The artist's music was not popular on mainstream radio.

Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Repeating the same line for emphasis.