Ed Sheeran Performs 'Boat,' 'Eyes Closed' and 'Life Goes On' from 'Subtract' | On Deck

Sheeran pulls out his signature acoustic guitar to sing "Boat," "Eyes Closed," and "Life Goes On" from his newest album.
There's nothing like Ed Sheeran's vocals and a guitar. On Tuesday, Rolling Stone premiered a special episode of On Deck, featuring a performance from the magazine's recent cover story, performing three songs from his new album Subtract from Moonfire Ranch in Malibu.
The video sees Sheeran - dressed in a leather jacket and a white shirt - performing "Boat" on guitar with his eyes closed. The original recording featured Aaron Dessner, who produced Sheeran's album, playing piano.
Then, Sheeran plays "Life Goes On," the touching song about his friend Jamal Edwards, who died in February 2022 of cardiac arrhythmia brought on by cocaine use. “My best friend died,” he told Rolling Stone about his friend during a recent cover story. “And he shouldn’t have done... I’ve always had real lows in my life. But it wasn’t really till last year that I actually addressed it.”

[@ericbrown7628]

His voice is so consistent. There’s no drop off when he’s performing live or you listen to his voice professionally recorded. His ability to sing immaculately both live and recorded is an incredible talent.

[@JennyLouLou]

I highly recommend you listen to a recording of him at the age of 14. It's only proof that hard work pays off.

[@patriciadoty6268]

@@JennyLouLou how did you hear a recording when Ed was only 14 years old please?😊

[@joeythemusician8152]

@@patriciadoty6268search up addicted by ed sheeran

[@teaandcoffeeM]

@@patriciadoty6268 Ed Sheeran Singing Badly | The Jonathan Ross Show That's the title of the video on youtube

[@charlesbarclay8181]

@@patriciadoty6268 There are ton of videos online for him when he was young

[@ryanmyue]

"cool" 0:12 Boat 3:12 Life Goes On 6:24 Eyes Closed

[@ruggzy9653]

I just sang Life Goes On at my 13 year old nephew's funeral. Thank you Ed for writing a song that helped me process everything that's going on. Song's like this belong in eternity.

[@perrycoffey5410]

Sorry too hear this

[@Kupela_Njovu]

Sorry, my condolences, may God grant you comfort 🙏

[@MrDacedric]

Heart breaks for you mate. I hope you can find peace.

[@321edhp50]

I wish u the best at this time ❤❤ h c hep @321edhp 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:25

[@321edhp50]

1:54 for u h ed c n kids James A team 2:20 2:20 2:20

[@kimmccallister7074]

I am 67.years old.He is one of my favorites.GodBless Ed

[@ForeverSweetx3]

I'm crying. Ed has a gift of putting difficult emotions into beautiful words that capture the exact feelings one feels. And the music is transcends all language. I let my 95 year old grandpa listen to Eyes Closed & he said "Why is he crying?" Beautiful ED!

[@danielhead8123]

Life goes on is a gem

[@marthacross814]

Is this about the friend he lost?

[@Kenny-ru8xl]

@@marthacross814 yes

[@lucylewis5562]

This song ‘ the waves won’t break my boat’ reminds me that even with the disabilities I have , that I keep fighting through the horrible pain and don’t give up because in Ed’s words, the waves won’t break my boat. I’m such a fan ! And would love you to meet me and my cats. That would be a dream come true. Ed you’re so talented 👍🏻well done

[@sylviafrank-sx6lr]

Ed Sheeran is not just a musician, he is a visionary who pushes all boundaries ! 😊

[@neilcusworth1764]

So true sylvia welcome to the new world

[@sylviafrank-sx6lr]

@@neilcusworth1764 Hello ! Thanks for your nice words ! I find it verry cougoragous when a person believes on themselves and dosn't themselves and don't let others fool you . He worked hard for his success and honestly deserved it ! Have a nice day neilcus....🤗

[@neilcusworth1764]

@@sylviafrank-sx6lr thanks sylvia nice to hear someone sing from the heart not for commercial reasons and fame

[@sylviafrank-sx6lr]

@@neilcusworth1764 I agree with you Neil....! 👍

[@neilcusworth1764]

@@sylviafrank-sx6lr welcome to the new world sylvia not long now it's so close

[@SuzanaMarkovski]

Mr.Sheeran you are unbelievable and i think you know that. My bow. Greetings from Slovenia.

[@lasammi01]

Absolutely cannot wait to see him later this year. His voice is a at new level on the new. Songwriting at its finest is what Subtract is.

[@zazasakhat7272]

Ed and his music speak to my heart. Subtract is a masterpiece, and Ed is a legend.

[@imurph3267]

6:28 “The essence of his sound makes my heart soar to softer places and gives me ease”.

[@ir0n_mxt]

@@phillipmiller339bro is so down bad he resorted to KZbin comment sections 💀💀💀

[@sameeboi2372]

@@ir0n_mxtlmao

[@vidyaamanda6663]

His slow

[@321edhp]

Such a brilliant voice with such feeling ❤❤❤😊

[@shellylavigne5913]

He’s baaaack❤

[@NbaLive4ever]

Love this album, I literally play it daily ❤️👏🏽🔥

[@hrishikeshk5356]

Me too

[@AusticHardOfHearingSinger]

I do, as well.

[@ayoolajokodola2300]

Me too fam

[@louisegoodman1147]

I’ve only just downloaded it and it’s NOT been off….. Life goes on…. 😭😭😭😭😭 it means soooo much to me. Love You Ed 💙

[@manuelalundberg8146]

Mee too ❤

[@bethanyvrooman9698]

This new album is just so raw and real. I’ve always liked Ed and had respect for his songwriting abilities (I’m pretty sure there’s a recording somewhere from ten years ago of me sing The A Team), but I was never a true, consistent fan of him until this album. I just connect with these songs more than I have with any of his past songs. What he went through to inspire these songs is awful for anyone to go through. But it’s real. It’s human. I connect with it. The grief he expresses is so reflective of my own grief from losing a friend who was like my brother in February of 2020. Ed just puts it into words far more eloquently than I ever could. I truly, truly appreciate the vulnerability of this album. It must have been hard to share something so personal with the world, but I’m so glad he did.

[@bobbieglynn8158]

His voice! His words! They touch my heart every time💕💕💕

[@alinehaubert3746]

I love this album so much that it's been on repeat here since it was released.

[@Mor_timer]

Thank God I get to experience Ed's music at this point in my life... he is such an amazing vibe

[@louisegoodman1147]

Ed is SO PURE. We all can relate to his songs. I ABSOLUTELY cried sooo much at his Documentary recently on Disney. I Love Him 💙

[@hilarysinclair8809]

Just saw him in Pittsburgh this past weekend and cried during Boat and Eyes Closed, they just hit so hard. it was an amazing experience to see him perform.

[@lisapavese8514]

I saw him at Raymond James in Tampa and the show was amazing!

[@maryhay2398]

😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤ beautiful Ed thank you keep nd man

[@maryhay2398]

Keep on this Ave of pleasure 😁 😢 and great respect for you and your talent and lyrics and gratitude of your music

[@crazylittlepartytifs]

These songs are just beyond incredible... I lost my beautiful sweet cat Hunter at the end of last year, which had been the most terrible year in any case, and these songs just speak to my soul... they're somehow cheerful and light and yet they describe all of the morose emotions perfectly .. absolutely well done Ed is all I can say 🙌🙌🙌🙌💐💐💐💖💖💖💖

[@CJoanLin]

Subtract is my favorite album. It’s deep and beautiful. Can’t stop listening to all the tracks. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼💛💛💛

[@louisegoodman1147]

Absolutely is👍 I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it. 💙

[@TravelwithBreezy]

This album is my playlist while driving around Ireland getting lost in small towns.

[@aprilrobert6430]

Am I the only one that thinks he would be very gifted in ALL areas of of love? Such passion! MMM Yes, please!

[@brandongomez1626]

Towards the end of my grandmas life she said she didn't want to listen to there songs She ended her life listening to these songs. Thank you we for always being there ❤️❤️my mom listened to your songs no matter what.

[@14LP2]

I think of my Mother every time I hear this song! RIP Mom. Thank you Ed!❤️

[@souleyes7467]

I love how he came, nailed it and immediately gone haha wow

[@AhhhSukeSuke]

Stunning. Such a brilliant voice, perfect pitch that brings the feels and chills

[@tylermich965gmail]

Hi. How are you doing suke🌹🌹

[@maryhay2398]

So many goosebumps. Gosh thanks

[@kietchhh]

He’s so freaking good

[@SusanGambie]

I cant stop listening to your album , your vocals have so much feeling . these songs have so much meaning to me . I hope your ok🥰🥰🥰❤💌💌💌

[@maryhay2398]

😢😢😢❤❤❤ beautiful Ed thank you for all of you and your talent they and you are my blessing in life

[@Keycore]

Saw him at Royal oak MI, less than 1700 and it was the most brilliant thing I’ve ever witnessed. Pure mind blowing

[@ysaornopee]

Ed got confused on his life goes on lyrics. 😅 But still doesn’t change the fact that he has an amazing voice

[@hassanm8502]

How can IT be this heavy 😢 ❤i love his acoustic versions. Maybe he could make a acoustic Album IT goes definitly 100 Time platinum

[@cameronsharp8959]

This guy always sings with emotion man!!

[@bobm8637]

This album grows on you slowly each day. The kind of album I love.

[@Couly]

Came for the music, stayed for the jacket.

[@lilliangowenlock2307]

My favourite thing in the whole world is hearing Ed singing live your the G.O.A.T ❤❤❤

[@TheHirdamy]

Always sound like the radio live it's epic

[@Machide.]

Thanks Ed Sheeran for sharing a honest story through your gifted voice❤beautiful album I will keep listening when life is not easy on me

[@allisonhopper-sanchez3548]

I love all Ed Sheeran's music, but Subtract in particular. It's heartbreaking and sincere. You can tell that some of the songs were deeply written.

[@michelemoore8951]

I was lucky enough to see him in person at NRG in Houston, Tx. His voice was even better and I won’t ever be the Michele that walked in there…….I changed for the best❤

[@jeanettelebogang4665]

Amazing as always ❤️ 💖

[@candycornett5061]

The first song is about how life throws us waves and it just makes great sense to me.The other song is how you deal with death two great songs.

[@jumpforjoy6]

Love this song

[@tammybennett5437]

Love him so much!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@iambeebs]

love him 💛💛

[@superincrivel7496]

Lovelly song's!❤💚

[@elleft]

Love you Ed. 💛💛

[@ramoniiijarina3559]

this three songs are my favorite from his new album.😊

[@emersonsantos1435]

Álbum perfeito ❤️

[@sycamoreinthesummer]

fave album.

[@liesbethbryssinck345]

I love acoustic Ed 😍

[@abrilhg]

Amo tu música, transmites tanto.

[@SharonShaw816]

🇿🇦 Goodnight 🤗 Ed Sheeran. ❤️🙏🏻👑

[@uraniasantos7954]

PERFEITOOO COMO SEMPRE 😍😍

[@HarmonyHorvath]

voice with such feeling ❤❤

[@Letheany]

love both songs, calm but emotional, amazing performance

[@OmarMartinez-ez5fv]

Te amo Ed Sheeran 😭❤️

[@masoumehkavi5065]

Amazing💙

[@neshjudepetalino2962]

Three of my favorite song on the album💯🥰💕💕💕💕

[@KarenKary-bl7nj]

His songs helped me through the worst time of my life!! His songs tell stories of truth.

[@TsukasaElkKite]

Heartwrenching

[@lujanbusten6903]

amo restar, amo a este hombre, amo sus letras,,, que rey

[@FadiTerro]

Amazing human being💜

[@maryhay2398]

Love it

[@user-tq1nu4kh7n]

Demais uma voz em catadora👏👏👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💃💃💃💃💃

[@susankrznaric1869]

I love Sutract and every other album so much Ed! Your talent, creativity, and beautiful voice maje you the best! ❤❤❤

[@DaysWithAly]

Went to his concert in Tampa last week. What a show 🔥 I just love him 🥹

[@mistymiller2649]

Perfection!!!

[@corpnamyt27]

His voice waaw😊😍 my fav singer of all time❤

[@cherishparkhurst8124]

Awsome, luv it all I can say is two words: Great Minds!

[@aderinsolaoke476]

This is the best artiste in Britain

[@maryhay2398]

Perfect Ed love ❣️

[@total_fictionn]

Love this album.. Teach Me Master❤

[@maryhay2398]

Love them all especially eyes closed ed you are brilliant thanks

[@terezinhaferrera7219]

❤Simply gorgeous! ❤

[@agadziarka3297]

Love you and your music ❤️ you are the best 😘😍❤️

[@maryhay2398]

Life goes on indeed thank you for the song it helps in these times ❤😊

[@priscilafraga6865]

❤ amo as músicas se as sheeran me sinto bem que emoção deve ser táo bom ir num show sele

[@Simplyryanne]

The lyrics, your voice, all so incredible. Ed you have so much talent. I listen to your music every single day and it warms my heart

[@maryhay2398]

❤unbelieveably beautiful Ed thank you Ed for all you do and perform.

[@gracietemariadelira-fb7zg]

❤que voz linda obrigada ed sheeran suas músicas têm significado em minha vida dese álbum as músicas que ouvir amei

[@vnjzaric]

It is just otherworldly what this man's music is doing to me. It is repairing everything that was ever broken, bringing me back to life again.

[@maryhay2398]

Yes indeed the healing ng 😁 f music and words😢❤

[@mawe99]

When is new music out I replay live sessions so I can learn it on the guitar, it's just perfect

[@maryhay2398]

The best performer and story teller i love all your lyrics ❤

[@valerieoneil8775]

Ed is so very talented!! How to pit your deep feelings into songs that are so relatable to many of life's troubles! Ed really did put his soul in the work. x❤x

[@diramydira8640]

Congratulations Ed Sheeran you are feeling the song that perfact and wonderful godblees you 💙💙💙🥂

[@Chancey388]

I'm still holdin' back these Tears.. while my friends are somewhere else.

[@maryhay2398]

Favorite i could close my eyes and point at your songs and anyone my finger touched it would be my favorite i love them all .❤

[@maryhay2398]

It is beautiful Ed ❤

[@mariakerr3188]

Ed Sheeran with his beautiful voice ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@maryhay2398]

You are a great Gift you help my tear ducts to clear. I love life goes on thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@maryhay2398]

Amazing

[@joshuamerritt8897]

Brilliant

[@elisamuco291]

in love with his voice

[@tylermich965gmail]

Hi. How are you doing Elisa 🌹🌹

[@maryhay2398]

Oh my how. Gorgeous

[@alejandracaceresfelizzola9593]

Si voz es absolutamente exquisita...me da tanta tranquilidad escucharlo

[@user-tq1nu4kh7n]

Lindo demais sua voz linda maravilhosa sua música muito boa demais daora 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@maryhay2398]

What a beautiful song 😢❤

[@user-tq1nu4kh7n]

Que lindo esse vídeo lindo gostei muito demais eu gosto muito 🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏👏👏👏