Following the release of his acclaimed new album Songs For The Drunk And Broken Hearted, (check out our review here) Passenger – otherwise known as Mike Rosenberg – has now shared Sword From The Stone (Gingerbread Mix), a special single version of the album’s opening track produced by Ed Sheeran and Joe Rubel and mixed by Spike Stent.

Written during lockdown, Sword From The Stone is in keeping with the breakup record feel of the new album. Lyrically, it sees Rosenberg struggle with feelings of loneliness during these isolating times and reflecting on a past love. The song juxtaposes simple conversation in the verses with an outpouring of raw emotion in the chorus. Lines like “How are your Mum and Dad / How’s your Brother too / My folks are holding up / My sister’s pulling through / And both the cats say hi / I know they miss you too” show Rosenberg’s eye for relatable lyrics.

Musically the track is carried by a delicate piano melody, as Rosenberg weaves his story in his familiar hushed vocal style. It’s a stylish modern pop song and has benefitted from the input of one of the world’s biggest stars Ed Sheeran, with whom Rosenberg is good friends. The two had long talked of collaborating, before Sword In The Stone came along, representing the perfect opportunity for the two to craft something special.

“Ed was really excited about the song when I played it to him and suggested that he produce a version that could potentially work as a radio single,” Rosenberg explains.

“It’s not every day you have that kind of offer from a pop genius, and I’m so delighted with what he and Joe have come up with. It’s been such a fun one to work on.”

Rosenberg recently announced his rescheduled tour dates for 2021, now kicking off at Ulster Hall, Belfast on 26 August 2021, and including a headline show at London O2 Brixton Academy on 8 September 2021.

You can find out more on Passenger’s official website.

Watch the official video for Sword From The Stone (Gingerbread mix) .be">here.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.