Ed Sheeran has had to come forward and clarify that his song, “Small Bump,” is about a miscarriage his friend experienced and was not intended to serve as pro-life rhetoric.
“Small Bump” was reportedly played by anti-abortion activists campaigning in Dublin, probably because the lyrics include the line, “cause you were just a small bump unborn for four months then torn from life,” and it explores the life the unborn baby could have had if it had been born.
https://twitter.com/sherlockciara/status/997169662461964288
https://twitter.com/DanielOReilly4/status/994163814059954176
Sheeran distanced himself from the protesters, however, and commented in an Instagram post.
“I’ve been informed that my song ‘Small Bump’ is being used to promote the pro-life campaign,” Sheeran said, “and I feel it’s important to let you know I have not given approval for this use, and it does not reflect what the song is about.”
Ed Sheeran has denounced anti-abortion campaigners after they used one of his tracks. He's told his followers on Instagram that it does not reflect what the song 'Small Bump' is about. pic.twitter.com/mtsNY97MmP
— Global's Newsroom (@GlobalsNewsroom) May 19, 2018
Fans and critics on Twitter had a mixed reaction to Sheeran’s comments. While some came to his defense and said the protesters should have sought his approval before using his song, others argued that Sheeran should have seen this coming.
Guys Ed Sheeran’s song Small Bump is about his friend that sadly lost her baby due to a miscarriage 5 months into her pregnancy, NOT because of an abortion. Do your research. I can’t believe that pro life are using his song without his permission… and it’s not even about that.
— sophie ⎊ (@mercyydun) May 18, 2018
Small Bump is not about pro life or abortion rights. It is about losing a child to miscarriage. pic.twitter.com/J3BuOhAHe6
— Aisha (@Ayeaye4real) May 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/RoseHazel12/status/997551285036638208
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Pro-life people using Small Bump as their anthem is the most out-of-pocket thing I’ve heard all day
— (izze) (@izzthot) May 18, 2018
I can’t believe the pro life side are using Small Bump by Ed Sheehan for their campaign and he had to publicly state that they missed the point of the song and he doesn’t even endorse it 🙄🙄🙄🙄
— Sinéad (@SayHiSinead) May 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/Selenasdevotee/status/997802223802384384
Ireland will vote on May 25 in a referendum whether to repeal the Eighth Amendment of its constitution, which bans abortion in almost all circumstances.