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.
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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."
