How Ed Sheeran Inspired Keith Urban to Record New Song "Burden"

Ed Sheeran, Keith Urban

During this year's ACM Awards in Las Vegas, Keith Urban delivered a passionate performance of a song called "Burden." The song is not included on his most recent album, 2018's Graffiti U, so where did it come from?

In a new behind-the-scenes video about the story behind "Burden," Urban explains that the song came out of a conversation with Ed Sheeran, during which they talked about Irish musician and singer/songwriter Foy Vance (who is signed to Sheeran's Gingerbread Man Records and has toured with him). Keith had originally seen Vance perform "Burden" while watching a video of him on YouTube.

Urban explained, "We played at the 02 in London and Ed came out to see us play. We talked about Foy, who's an incredible musician and songwriter. The next day, I had a day off in London, so I got on my bike and put my headphones on and rode around London for like two hours listening to Foy non-stop." The country star continued, "And when I got back to Nashville, I realized that I had never seen him play live, he must be fantastic. So, I jumped on YouTube and heard this song 'Burden,' and just fell in love with him. I thought, I'd love to be able to do a version of the song, the way that I was feeling it in my heart."

After the powerful performance of "Burden" during the ACMs, Foy shared his thoughts on the cover, and wrote in a tweet, "Well this is a lovely surprise. Thank you @KeithUrban for the moving performance and cover of 'Burden' from The Wild Swan... xx. "

Urban was nominated for a few ACM Awards this year, and ultimately took home the coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy. In his speech, he thanked his wife, Nicole Kidman, his team, his fans and his daughters Sunday Rose (10) and Faith Margaret (8). He said, "Thank you so much, baby girl, I love you so much," he said to Kidman before adding, "My team, thank you every one of you. To the fans out there, you are amazing. You have no idea what you mean to me, no idea."

Listen to Keith Urban's "Burden" below.

Photo: Getty Images


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