The cultural callbacks are rich here. In terms of setting, it recalls the infamous dance scene in Silver Linings Playbook. Of course, every manner of ballroom dance, for a certain generation, offers a look back to Dirty Dancing. Most prevalently, however, is that feel of Dancing with the Stars (or, for citizens of the UK, Strictly Come Dancing), in which a celebrity is paired with a professional dance partner and either hilarity ensues or the audience is wowed.

In this case, it's a toss up. Sheeran cuts a dashing figure in his vest and shiny shoes, looking strangely naked without his ever present guitar, but it's disconcerting to see him in such a foreign setting (and without a hoodie).

"'Thinking Out Loud' is one of my favorite tracks on the album, if not my favorite," Sheeran said in a press release about the video. "It's a great one to perform live and means a lot to me. I wanted the video to be a little different, so I opted for ballroom dancing. I had lessons for five hours a day when I was on my U.S. tour last month."