Singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has assured fans his new song Don't is not about his pal and former tourmate Taylor Swift, insisting the pair's friendship has never turned romantic.
Sheeran blasts a cheating ex-lover in the lyrics of the track, and he has confirmed it is based on a true story, sparking speculation among fans that the girl in question is fellow British pop star Ellie Goulding - or Swift.
The singer is determined not to name names, but he does want to make it clear the ex isn't Swift, who has made a name for herself by writing songs about her failed romances.
He tells Rolling Stone, "It's 100 per cent not about Taylor... I've never dated Taylor. I've dated a few singers, though."
To make sure Swift knew the song had nothing to do with her, even in a fictional capacity, Sheeran played her the track after he'd recorded it, and she responded by assuring him that she'd never want to upset him after hearing the lyrics.
He adds, "She was just like, 'Whatever happens, ever, between us, as friends, I never want to p**s you off that much'."
And Sheeran understands exactly what she means, telling Billboard magazine, "If you date a songwriter, be prepared to have songs written about you. If you do nice things, you'll have nice songs. And if you do f***ed up things, you'll get a horrible song."
