Music Video Analysis

This music video for small bump by Ed Sheeran, is an example of a concept video. It has the main focus on Ed, as he sits in the waiting room of a hospital. The slow motion movement of the camera as it pans around the room as the shot moves past Ed, relates to the slowed down speed of the music.



The cuts between the close ups of the props, relates to the drum beat at the start of the song. The use of props of the x ray, hospital bed and yellow tub of chemicals in the mes en scene, indicate to the audience that the video is set within a hospital.

The establishing shot shows Ed alone in the hospital chairs, which gives a sense that the waiting room is a small and intimate setting. The costume of his hoodie, baggy jeans and trainers indicates a lack of formality and a casual attitude. His leaning posture suggests he is anxious and waiting for something. Relating this to the lyrics, it may mean he is there waiting for the birth of a child.

The close up camera angle on Ed, emphasizes the serious expression he has. The slightly high camera angle, makes him seem vulnerable and sensitive to what situation he may be in.

The track movement of the camera along the hallway, emphasizes the intimacy of the waiting room as it shows us the location is very small. As the doctor walks away, special effects are used to make it seem he fades into the scene as if he is a ghost. This suggests a period of time has passed, as the people in the scene move on. It also adds to the sense of loneliness that Ed may be feeling.

As the camera moves further down the hallway, more people appear and disappear in the similar fading ghost effect. This suggests people continue to move on quickly, while Ed remains waiting patiently. The doors in shot give a voyeuristic impression, as if the viewer is spying on Ed.

The running child through the hall, has connotations of youthfulness and energy. This shows a distinct contrast, to what Ed is like in the waiting room. It could also relate to the theme in the lyrics, of expecting a new born baby. While the man struggling through the hall being carried by his friends, represents someone who is suffering being helped by others. This may be symbolic of the baby referred to within the lyrics, as struggling while in the womb of the caring mother.

In the second half of the video, the movement of the camera slowly homing in on Ed is repeated as it was done in the start of the video. This is to focus on how Ed appears to be coping while he is waiting for this period of time. In the background of the shot, the only thing that appears the same is the woman waiting at the back.

The closing part of the video, is a close up of Ed as he sings "you were just a small bump unborn, for four months then torn from life". The dark lighting around his face has connotations of despair and depression, and his stern expression tells the viewers something has gone wrong and it isn't right. It ends with Ed bowing his head, which suggests he is mourning or being thoughtful.

This video is typical of the genre, as it deals with a serious subject and focuses on the artists interpretation of the song into his actions. It is to relate to the meaning of the lyrics, rather than act along side them as a performance video or a sort of dance routine.