Ed Sheeran, “The Joker and the Queen”

Reading Time: 3 min read

Grammy winner, Ed Sheeran, taps fellow Grammy winner, Taylor Swift, for a gorgeous remix of “The Joker and the Queen.”

“H

ow was I to know? It’s a crazy thing / I showed you my hand and you still let me win,” Ed Sheeran sings on the first verse of “The Joker and the Queen.” Sheeran continues, “And who was I to say that this was meant to be? / The road that was broken brought us together.” The

Grammy winner delivered a stunning ballad in 2021 that appeared as the sixth track on

=. He returns with a duet version featuring a fellow

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, Taylor Swift. The two musicians have collaborated multiple times but “The Joker and the Queen” just might be their best collaboration EVER!

The remixed, duet version of “Joker and the Queen” features notable contrasts to the original. Worth noting, these contrasts are surefire selling points. Sheeran sings the original opening verse (excerpted above), as well as following up with the gorgeous chorus:

“And I know you could fall for a thousand kings

And hearts that would give you a diamond ring

When I fold, you see the best in me

The joker and the queen.”

Beyond that, Taylor Swift delivers a brand-new verse, a welcome addition. As she sings, she sounds utterly sublime. At the end of the verse, she and Sheeran join forces, something that happens again on select parts of the chorus. The vocal chemistry is fabulous – they make a formidable team, particularly on this ballad filled with those feels. Besides the chemistry and terrific songwriting, the production (Sheeran, RØMANS, Johnny McDaid, and FRED) remains key. I love the lightness and warmth of the sound – it’s a vibe. The strings are quite lovely.

Final Thoughts

tears of joy All in all, “The Joker and the Queen (Remix)” is a winner. Both Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift sing their respective parts superbly. Again, their chemistry when they join forces is heavenly. Also, the production, well, it’s heavenly too! Sure, “Joker” keeps things on the slower side of the metronome. Furthermore, save for brief soaring strings briefly, things are relatively low-key. That considered, the results are positive, touching, and not to sound like a broken record, gorgeous.