Beautiful People (feat. Khalid)

"Beautiful People" is a critique of the superficiality and materialism associated with celebrity culture and high society. The song's core message is a celebration of authenticity and staying true to oneself in a world that often pressures individuals to conform to a glamorous, yet empty, lifestyle. Ed Sheeran and Khalid position themselves as outsiders who don't belong in the world of "beautiful people"—a term used to describe the fashionable, wealthy elite obsessed with status, designer clothes, and lavish parties. The lyrics convey a sense of alienation and discomfort in these environments, highlighting the loneliness that can exist even when surrounded by a crowd. The song suggests that genuine happiness is found not in material possessions or social climbing, but in authentic relationships and self-acceptance. It's a reminder that true beauty lies in being oneself, not in fitting into a predefined mold of what is considered cool or desirable.

The narrative unfolds within the glittering, yet hollow, world of high society, a place filled with superficial markers of success like drop-top cars, designer clothes, and exclusive parties. The singer, along with his partner, finds himself in this environment, observing the performative interactions and status-driven conversations—questions like "What d'you do?" and "Who d'you know?" that aim to measure worth by profession and social connections. This scene is painted with a sense of unease and detachment, highlighting the emptiness behind the glamour through images of "prenups and broken homes" and the feeling of being "surrounded, but still alone."

The central theme is a firm rejection of this lifestyle. The narrator and his companion do not feel they belong in this world because their values are different; they are simply themselves and have no desire to change to fit in. There's a palpable fear of being corrupted by this environment, a fear of becoming one of the "beautiful people." This term is used ironically to describe the wealthy, fashionable elite who, despite their outward perfection, seem to be trapped in a cycle of loneliness and superficiality. The singer finds solace and true beauty in his authentic relationship, reassuring his partner that she is stunning without needing the validation of this crowd.

Khalid's verse reinforces this perspective. He describes his own discomfort at a lavish party, feeling out of place and seeking an escape from the meaningless conversation. He contrasts the artificiality of the L.A. party scene with the genuine connection he shares with his loved one. The song becomes a shared anthem for those who prioritize inner substance over outward appearance. The chorus acts as a powerful, repeated declaration of their identity: "We don't fit in well 'cause we are just ourselves." It's a celebration of individuality and the contentment found in being different from the perceived ideal. The ultimate message is that true beauty isn’t about conforming to a glamorous, materialistic standard but about embracing one's own identity and finding value in genuine human connection, far from the lonely crowd.

"Beautiful People" was released on June 28, 2019, as the third single from Ed Sheeran's fourth studio album, No.6 Collaborations Project. The song was written by Ed Sheeran, Khalid Robinson, Max Martin, Shellback, and Fred Gibson. Production was handled by Sheeran, Max Martin, Shellback, and Fred. The track was recorded across various studios, including MXM in Stockholm, the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, and Promised Land in London. Sheeran announced the song and revealed its artwork on June 23, 2019, releasing studio footage in the days leading up to its debut. Speaking about the collaboration, Sheeran stated, "Khalid's got an undeniable, soulful voice and I knew he would be perfect for this track. I think we both connect to the song in the same way, and I'm really happy we got to work together." Both artists felt they related to the song's theme of feeling out of place in the glamorous party culture and preferring genuine connections. The duo performed the song live for the first time at Khalid's concert at The O2 Arena in London on September 17, 2019.

"Beautiful People" is set to a moderate tempo of 93 BPM and is composed in the key of F minor. The song's rhythmic structure is built on a steady, synth-driven beat that gives it a danceable yet relaxed feel. The vocal melodies of Sheeran and Khalid often employ a conversational, rhythmic flow that syncs smoothly with the underlying instrumental track. The rhyme scheme is generally simple and direct, which makes the lyrics memorable and impactful. For instance, in the pre-chorus, Sheeran uses an AABB-like pattern with rhymes such as "homes"/"alone" and "become"/"numb." The chorus maintains a straightforward structure that emphasizes the central message. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical beat contributes significantly to the song's pop appeal, making its message of authenticity both accessible and catchy.

Musically, "Beautiful People" is a mid-tempo pop song with a relaxed, laid-back groove and elements of R&B. It features smooth keyboard lines and a prominent synth bass, creating a polished, contemporary sound typical of its producers, Max Martin and Shellback. The production is clean, allowing the vocals of both Sheeran and Khalid to be the central focus. Sheeran's delivery is melodic and conversational, while Khalid's soulful and smooth tone adds a layer of emotional depth and warmth. Lyrically, the song employs a narrative style, painting a vivid picture of a high-society party. It uses rhetorical questions like "What d'you do?" and "Who d'you know?" to critique the shallow nature of the interactions. The contrast between the verses, which describe the scene, and the anthemic chorus, which states their personal philosophy, creates a powerful dynamic that reinforces the song's message of non-conformity. The use of specific, evocative imagery ("champagne and rolled-up notes") makes the critique more pointed and relatable.

"Beautiful People" was a significant commercial success, becoming the second single from the No.6 Collaborations Project to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart in July 2019. This marked Ed Sheeran's seventh UK No. 1 hit and Khalid's second. The song also performed well globally, charting high in numerous countries and accumulating over a billion streams on Spotify. Critical reception was generally positive, with many reviewers praising the song's catchy melody and relatable message of authenticity. However, some critics found the track's theme of a multi-millionaire celebrity singing about not fitting in to be "disingenuous" or "hypocritical." The music video, directed by Andy McLeod, was widely praised for its clever and humorous narrative, which follows an ordinary couple navigating a world of glamour without changing who they are, perfectly complementing the song's theme.

The central symbol of the song is the term "beautiful people." This phrase is not used to denote physical attractiveness but as a metaphor for a class of wealthy, influential individuals who live a superficial and materialistic lifestyle. This elite group is characterized by external symbols of wealth like "Lamborghinis," "designer clothes," and attendance at exclusive "fashion shows." However, these symbols are portrayed as hollow, leading to "prenups and broken homes" and a profound sense of being "surrounded, but still alone." The song contrasts this with the authentic, grounded reality of the narrators. Their choice to remain "just ourselves" is a symbolic rejection of this culture. The music video further emphasizes this by showing an ordinary couple placed in luxurious settings but finding happiness in simple, personal moments, ultimately choosing to take a bus home instead of a chauffeured car, symbolizing their rejection of the glamorous world they were temporarily a part of.

The most significant recurring motif is the phrase "beautiful people," which appears in the pre-chorus and serves as the song's central, ironic theme. Its repetition emphasizes the narrator's fear of becoming part of this superficial world. The core message is crystallized in the recurring chorus line, "We don't fit in well 'cause we are just ourselves," which functions as a proud declaration of individuality and an anthem for the socially awkward or introverted. The questions "What d'you do?" and "Who d'you know?" also recur, acting as a lyrical motif representing the shallow, status-obsessed values the song critiques. This repetition drills home the idea that these are the wrong questions to ask, contrasting with the song's focus on inner worth. The line, "That's not who we are," repeated by both artists, serves as a definitive and unifying statement of their identity and values.