Take It Back
Ed Sheeran Lyrics


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I'm not a rapper, I'm a singer with a flow
I've got a habit of spitting
Quicker lyrics you know
You found me ripping the writtens
Out of the pages they sit in
And never once I get bitten
Because plagiarism is hidden
Which I would sit on the rhythm
Prisoner with a vision
Signs of a label, but didn't listen to any criticism
Thought you knew but you didn't
So perk your ears up and listen
Studio is a system
And you could say that I'm driven
And now it's on to the next saga
We drink the best lager
I never tried to win you over
Like your stepfather
I do my own thing now, and get respect after
And I'm avoiding cocaine like it was Get Carter
For four years I never had a place to stay
But it's safe to say that it kept me grounded like a paperweight
At sixteen years old, yeah I moved out of my home
I was Macy Gray I tried to say goodbye and I choked
And went from sleeping at the subway station
To sleeping with a movie star and adding to the population
Not my imagination, I don't wanna relax
Would it hurt your reputation if I put it on wax?
I'll take it back now

Mmmm c'mon and take it back love
C'mon and take it back for us
Don't you fade into the back love
No

I take it back with the rhythm and blues
With my rap pack I'll be singing the news
Trying to act like Jack Black when I bring 'em to school
I'll make a beat with my feet by just hitting a loop
Bringing the lyrics to prove that I can fit in these shoes
I give you the truth through the vocal booth
Stars burst out on the scene like an opal fruit
They try and take aim like Beckham when he goes to shoot
But then again that's what they're supposed to do
And I'm supposed to be calm
I tattooed the lyrics onto my arm
Whispering everything that happens is from now on
I'll be ready to start again at the end of the song
Still their claiming that I handled it wrong
But then I never had an enemy, except for NME
But I'll be selling twice as many copies as the magazines will ever be
With only spectacles ahead of me and festival fees
I'm healthier than a Dalmatian on Pedigree
Singing for the masses
Rubber dinghy rapids
Keep this rapping a habit
And keep on passioning magic
I'm battling for respect
I don't know if I'll have it
This songs from the heart
Cover the planet
I'll take it back now

Mmmm c'mon and take it back love
C'mon and take it back for us
Don't you fade into the back love
No

Take it back now
Now I don't ever want to be perfect
Cause I'm a singer that you
Never want to see shirtless
And I accept the fact that someone has to win worst-dressed
Taking my first steps into the scene
Giving me focus
Putting on a brave face, like Timothy Dalton
Considering a name change
Thinking it was hopeless
Rhyming over recordings
Avoiding tradition
Cause every day some lyrics
And a melody can be written
Now absence can make your heart break
But drinking absinthe can change your mind-state, vividly
I need to let my liver be
And I say it again
Living life on the edge
With a closed hand full of friends
Is good advice from a man
Who took his life on the road with me
And I hope to see him blowing up globally
Cause that's how it's supposed to be
I'm screaming out vocally
It might seem totally impossible
Achieving life's dreams
But, but I just write schemes
I'm never having a stylist, giving me tight jeans
Madison Square Garden is where I might be
But more likely
You'll find me in the back
Room of a dive bar with my mates
Having a pint with McDaid
Discussing records we made
And every single second knowing
That we'll never betray
The way we were raised
Remembering our background
Sat down
That's how we plan it out
It's time to take it back now

Mmmm c'mon and take it back love
C'mon and take it back for us
Don't you fade into the back love
No

Mmmm c'mon and take it back love
C'mon and take it back for us




Don't you fade into the back love
No

Overall Meaning

In Ed Sheeran's song "Take It Back," we see him reflecting on his journey to success and how hard he has worked to get there. The song starts with him clarifying that he is not a rapper, but a singer with a flow. He confesses his habit of spitting quicker lyrics and taking inspiration from others while not plagiarizing. Ed mentions his unwillingness to listen to criticism from the label and how he has worked hard to get to where he is today. In one of the verses, he expresses how he never had a stable home and how he worked hard to provide for himself. Ed mentions how he has been "battling for respect" and how he is just a singer who writes schemes.


The song is about Ed's humble beginnings, how he started with nothing, and how his passion and hard work has led him to the success he has today. Ed's vocals and engaging lyrics make it clear that he is a true artist, with a deep passion for his art. "Take It Back" is an honest and heartfelt song about his journey and how he feels about the music industry.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not a rapper, I'm a singer with a flow
I may have the style of a rapper, but I consider myself a singer with a unique musical flow.


I've got a habit of spitting Quicker lyrics you know
I have a talent for quickly delivering lyrics you may not expect.


You found me ripping the writtens Out of the pages they sit in
I love to dissect lyrics and draw inspiration from other sources to create new content.


And never once I get bitten Because plagiarism is hidden
I am careful not to infringe on others' work while creating my own original music.


Which I would sit on the rhythm Prisoner with a vision
I am a creative person who is so committed to my craft that I feel imprisoned to the rhythms of my music, with a clear vision of what I want to create.


Signs of a label, but didn't listen to any criticism
My success has attracted the attention of record labels, but I remain true to my own style and don't let criticism sway me.


Thought you knew but you didn't So perk your ears up and listen
Despite what you thought, I have more to offer as a musician, so pay close attention to my music.


Studio is a system And you could say that I'm driven
Recording music in the studio is a structured system, but I am highly motivated to produce the best content possible.


And now it's on to the next saga We drink the best lager
I am continuously working on new music, and celebrate successes with my friends and colleagues.


I never tried to win you over Like your stepfather
I don't try to make everyone like my music, as that would be impossible, much like trying to win over a stepfather who may not consider me their own child.


I do my own thing now, and get respect after And I'm avoiding cocaine like it was Get Carter
I have gained respect in the industry for being true to myself and avoiding destructive habits.


For four years I never had a place to stay But it's safe to say that it kept me grounded like a paperweight
I struggled initially as a musician, not having a permanent home for four years, but it helped me stay grounded and focused.


At sixteen years old, yeah I moved out of my home I was Macy Gray I tried to say goodbye and I choked
I became independent from my family at a young age, and struggled to say goodbye and move on from that time in my life.


And went from sleeping at the subway station To sleeping with a movie star and adding to the population
I experienced a drastic change in my living situation, going from being homeless to being romantically involved with someone famous and even contributing to the population through childbirth.


Not my imagination, I don't wanna relax Would it hurt your reputation if I put it on wax?
The events in my life are not fictional, and I have no desire to relax or take a break. I wonder if it would damage someone's reputation if I wrote a song about them.


I'll take it back now Mmmm c'mon and take it back love C'mon and take it back for us Don't you fade into the back love No
I am reflecting on my past and want to reclaim certain aspects of my life. I encourage my loved ones to not fade away, but to actively be a part of my present.


I take it back with the rhythm and blues With my rap pack I'll be singing the news Trying to act like Jack Black when I bring 'em to school
I am incorporating elements of rhythm and blues into my music, and using my unique style to tell stories similar to a news reporter. I try to entertain and educate my listeners, in the same way Jack Black acts in his films.


I'll make a beat with my feet by just hitting a loop Bringing the lyrics to prove that I can fit in these shoes
I can create music just by using my body's natural rhythms and percussive sounds. I have the skills and talent to succeed in the music industry.


I give you the truth through the vocal booth Stars burst out on the scene like an opal fruit
I am truthful and genuine in my music, sharing my experiences and emotions through my lyrics. My success is sudden and mesmerizing, similar to the burst of flavor from an opal fruit candy.


They try and take aim like Beckham when he goes to shoot But then again that's what they're supposed to do
Critics may try to knock me down, similar to how soccer players will try to block David Beckham's shots, but it's all part of the game and part of their job.


And I'm supposed to be calm I tattooed the lyrics onto my arm Whispering everything that happens is from now on
I must remain calm and level-headed, even as challenges come my way. I am so committed to my music that I have tattooed my own lyrics onto my body, and I remind myself that everything from this point on is a new journey.


I'll be ready to start again at the end of the song Still their claiming that I handled it wrong
I am always preparing for a new project or song after the current one ends. Critics may still say I am taking the wrong approach, but I remain confident in my work.


But then I never had an enemy, except for NME But I'll be selling twice as many copies as the magazines will ever be
I never had personal enemies, except for the music magazine NME which may have given me unfavorable reviews in the past. However, my music is so popular that I will sell far more copies than the magazine ever will.


With only spectacles ahead of me and festival fees I'm healthier than a Dalmatian on Pedigree
I have a bright future ahead of me, and am performing at high profile festivals. I am healthy and flourishing, much like a well-bred Dalmatian.


Singing for the masses Rubber dinghy rapids Keep this rapping a habit And keep on passioning magic
I am reaching a wide audience through my music, and continue to create raps and songs as a true passion. I strive to bring joy and excitement to my listeners.


I'm battling for respect I don't know if I'll have it This songs from the heart Cover the planet
I may still be fighting for respect and validation as a musician, but my music comes from my heart and resonates with people all over the world.


Now I don't ever want to be perfect Cause I'm a singer that you Never want to see shirtless And I accept the fact that someone has to win worst-dressed
I don't strive for perfection or to impress people with my looks, as I am solely focused on my music. I acknowledge that not everyone will agree with my fashion choices.


Taking my first steps into the scene Giving me focus Putting on a brave face, like Timothy Dalton Considering a name change Thinking it was hopeless
I am navigating the music industry and finding my place, which helps me stay focused. I display confidence even in the face of uncertainty, similar to how actor Timothy Dalton may have acted in certain roles. I once considered changing my name, thinking it would help my success.


Rhyming over recordings Avoiding tradition Cause every day some lyrics And a melody can be written
I am breaking tradition and creating music in unique ways, such as rhyming over pre-recorded sounds. I believe inspiration can come at any time, and lyrics and melodies can be written every day.


Now absence can make your heart break But drinking absinthe can change your mind-state, vividly I need to let my liver be
Being away from loved ones can be painful, but alcohol can temporarily change my mindset and help me cope. However, I also need to take care of my liver and avoid too much drinking.


And I say it again Living life on the edge With a closed hand full of friends Is good advice from a man Who took his life on the road with me And I hope to see him blowing up globally Cause that's how it's supposed to be
I believe in living life to the fullest, taking risks and surrounding myself with a select group of close friends. A fellow musician who toured with me gave me this advice, and I hope to see him achieve global success.


I'm screaming out vocally It might seem totally impossible Achieving life's dreams But, but I just write schemes
I am passionately seeking my dreams, which may seem impossible to others. However, I am confident in my ability to write and produce music that will help me achieve my goals.


I'm never having a stylist, giving me tight jeans Madison Square Garden is where I might be But more likely You'll find me in the back Room of a dive bar with my mates Having a pint with McDaid Discussing records we made And every single second knowing That we'll never betray The way we were raised Remembering our background Sat down That's how we plan it out It's time to take it back now
I refuse to have a personal stylist or wear tight clothing, as I value my own unique style. While I may perform in large venues like Madison Square Garden, you can usually find me in a small dive bar with my friends, discussing our music and enjoying a pint. We never forget where we came from, and use our background to stay grounded and focused on our music. It's time to reclaim our roots and take back our music.


Mmmm c'mon and take it back love C'mon and take it back for us Don't you fade into the back love No
I am urging my loved ones to take back what we have lost and not allow ourselves to fade away into the background. We must actively participate in our own lives and create the best versions of ourselves we can.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: ED SHEERAN, JOHNNY MCDAID

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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