In a heartwarming tribute to the iconic television show, “Friends,” the globally acclaimed singer Ed Sheeran unveiled his latest track, “American Town,” from his forthcoming album “Autumn Variations.” This isn’t just any song; it’s especially dedicated to Courteney Cox, the beloved actress who played Monica Geller in the renowned sitcom.
Having been friends with Courteney Cox for a decade, their bond has been special. Notably, it was Ed Sheeran who played matchmaker, introducing her to her current beau, Johnny McDaid, as per reports from People.
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Sheeran shared a video serenading Courteney with his latest creation. As he sang, “Courteney, Courteney, Courteney. I penned this song drawing inspiration from ‘Friends,’ the very series you starred in,” the warmth was palpable.
The track paints a nostalgic picture. Lyrics such as, “We’re a long way from home/ Haven’t seen you in so long/ But it all came flooding back in a moment” resonate with the audience, evoking a sense of reminiscence. But it’s the pre-chorus that overtly alludes to “Friends”: “We devoured Chinese food from petite white containers/ Reliving the moments from ‘Friends’/ Your bedroom, just about accommodating a bed/ Rise, set out for work, then repeat.”
The clever integration of elements like Chinese takeaway – a recurring prop in the series – captures the essence of the show. However, Cox playfully queried if the song was truly centered on “Friends.” To which Sheeran responded, explaining that such nuances, like the Chinese food, served as inspiration.
After hearing the song, Courteney humorously quizzed, “Do I earn from this?” showcasing their friendly banter.
Eager fans can mark their calendars as “Autumn Variations” is set to drop on September 29. With this delightful homage to a timeless show, Sheeran once again proves his unparalleled ability to craft deeply personal and evocative songs.