The pop superstar finally explains the secret lyric that left fans curious for years
Ed Sheeran has lifted the curtain on a longtime mystery surrounding his verse in Taylor Swift’s 2017 hit song End Game, from her album Reputation. For years, fans have been wondering about the meaning of the cryptic line:
“Four words on the tip of my tongue I’ll never say.”
The Secret Four Words Finally Explained
The 34-year-old singer-songwriter recently addressed the burning question on TikTok after a fan asked, “WHAT ARE THE FOUR WORDS ON THE TIP OF ED SHEERAN’S TONGUE THAT HE WILL NEVER SAY?”
Sheeran responded directly in the comments, revealing that the elusive four words are:
“Will you marry me.”
He further clarified that the line leads into the next part of the song, explaining:
“The ‘I’ll never say’ leads into the next bit. As in — I’ll never say ‘I don’t wanna touch you.’ And the four words are ‘will you marry me,’ which obviously happened with Chez shortly after this song came out.”
A Nod to Love: Ed’s Proposal to Cherry Seaborn
“Chez” refers to Cherry Seaborn, Ed Sheeran’s longtime partner and now wife. The couple got engaged soon after End Game was released in December 2017, making the lyric a sweet, personal detail woven into the song.

Ed previously shared with People Magazine how his relationship with Cherry began — interestingly, thanks to a Taylor Swift Fourth of July party.
He recalled:
“I was texting [Cherry], and she was like: ‘I’m in Rhode Island at a 4th of July party,’ and I was like, ‘So am I.’ I kinda said to Taylor, ‘Can I invite one of my old schoolmates?’ The rest is history.”
The Story Behind ‘End Game’
End Game features collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and rapper Future, blending pop and hip-hop influences. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, loyalty, and reputation, with Ed’s verse adding a personal touch that fans are only now fully understanding.
Conclusion
Ed Sheeran’s reveal about the “four words” in End Game offers fans a glimpse into the singer’s romantic life and creative process. What once was a mysterious lyric now stands as a heartfelt testament to his engagement and deep love for Cherry Seaborn, enriching the song’s meaning for listeners worldwide.