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"I See Fire"
Single by Ed Sheeran
from the album The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Released5 November 2013 (2013-11-05)
Recorded2013
GenreFolk
Length5:00
Label
SongwriterEd Sheeran
ProducerEd Sheeran
Ed Sheeran singles chronology
"Old School Love"
(2013) 		"I See Fire"
(2013) 		"Sing"
(2014)
Audio sample
"I See Fire"

"I See Fire" is a song by the English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was commissioned for the soundtrack of the 2013 film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, where it was played over the closing credits. The Hobbit director, Peter Jackson, asked Sheeran to write a song for the movie after Jackson's daughter, Katie, suggested Sheeran. Sheeran saw the film, wrote the song, and recorded most of the track elements on the same day.

The song was released as a digital download on 5 November 2013. Its music video was released the same day. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 13 and reached number one in New Zealand on its sixth week, Sheeran's first number-one single there. "I See Fire" was nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Original Song.

Background

[edit]

"I See Fire" plays over the first section of the closing credits of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,[1] an epic fantasy adventure film directed by New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson. Released on 13 December 2013, it is the second installment in the three-part film series based on the novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.[1] The Hobbit follows the quest of a home-loving hobbit, a fictional, diminutive humanoid, to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug.

Sheeran has a lifelong devotion to the novel of Tolkien; his grandfather owns a first edition copy; it was the first book Sheeran's father read to him as a child,[2] and the first book that Sheeran read himself.[3] On 5 November 2013, Sheeran announced his involvement in the soundtrack in a series of online posts, which included his thanking Jackson for the opportunity.[3] He is also a fan of Jackson's films.[4]

Jackson was introduced to Sheeran's music by his daughter, Katie,[5] who attended Sheeran's concert in Wellington, New Zealand, in March 2013.[4] Jackson, having learned Sheeran's regard toward his films,[5] met him over lunch the following day where they exchanged email addresses.[4]

In late 2013, Jackson and Fran Walsh, who co-produced and co-wrote the film, were searching for an artist who would write and record the song. Following Katie's advice, they decided to tap Sheeran.[6] Jackson sent a message to Sheeran, who was in the Mediterranean island of Ibiza attending a wedding ceremony,[5][7] asking if he would be interested in the project, which Sheeran accepted. Departing from London, Sheeran and his manager, Stuart, arrived in Wellington within 48 hours.[6]

Writing and production

[edit]
Park Road Post, a film post-production facility located in Wellington, New Zealand, where Sheeran wrote and produced "I See Fire".

Sheeran watched the film at an early screening[8] in Park Road Post, a film post-production facility located in Wellington, New Zealand. Jackson advised Sheeran to focus on the film's ending: "Focus on the last 10 minutes. That's what the song needs to reflect[. ...] Write a song that takes the audience by the hand and leads them from Middle-earth back into reality."[8] Capturing his reaction to watching the film,[5] Sheeran immediately began writing the lyrics "from the perspective of being a dwarf".[8] Jackson required a folk song and Sheeran, who is "known for songs that wouldn't fit in a Hobbit film", attempted to follow in that direction.[5]

Sheeran wrote and recorded, in only one day, most of the elements present in the released version.[6] Further revisions were made in a course of three days that Sheeran stayed in the facility.[2] Sheeran revealed he was given complete freedom in the creative process, while receiving ready inputs from Jackson and his co-filmmakers.[3] In particular, Sheeran notes: "[Jackson] knows the colors and templates of what the song should be rather than how the melody should go."[2]

Sheeran also produced the song, playing all the instruments except for the cello.[9] Despite having never played the violin, he chose to perform it himself through overdubbing.[6] Flight of the Conchords' touring cellist Nigel Collins added cello parts as dictated by Sheeran. Pete Cobbin of Abbey Road Studios mixed "I See Fire"; Cobbin was at Park Road Post at the same time, responsible for mixing the musical score of The Desolation of Smaug.[6]

"I See Fire" is a folk ballad,[8] characterized with gently strummed acoustic guitar. Sheeran revealed he took inspiration from the 1970s Irish folk band Planxty.[8] According to Entertainment Weekly's Jodi Walker, the song is "touch reminiscent" of "The Parting Glass", an Irish traditional song that is a bonus track in Sheeran's debut album, +.[10] The themes in The Hobbit are present in the song's lyrics, which refer to "fire, mountains and brotherhood".[8]

Single and video release

[edit]

"I See Fire" was released on 5 November 2013 through iTunes, initially in the United States and then worldwide within the next 36 hours.[11] It was later released on 10 December 2013 as part of the film's soundtrack, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, through WaterTower Music and Decca Records.[12] Sheeran released "I See Fire" while on tour in support of his debut album; it was the first solo record that he released, two years since his last. Initially, the track was announced as a non-inclusion in his next album,[3] subsequently titled x. However, it appeared on the deluxe edition of that album. Sheeran announced the inclusion on 9 April 2014.[13]

The official music video for "I See Fire" directed by Shane Ramirez premiered on 5 November 2013, along with the release of the song. The video shows Sheeran performing and recording the vocals,[9] the songwriting and recording of live instruments, behind the scenes,[6] all throughout interspersed with shots from the film. The footage which shows Sheeran performing and recording the song is shot in black-and-white, while the rest shown in full color.[14] The video, which is uploaded in the Warner Bros. Pictures channel in YouTube, had accumulated over 114 million views as of December 2021, making it the most popular video on their channel.

Critical reception

[edit]

"I See Fire" attracted critical commentaries. In his review of the single, Nick Catucci of the Entertainment Weekly stated that although looming in the song is a "flame-broiled disaster", Sheeran "keeps his strumming cool, and a hopeful flame burning for Bilbo".[15] For Rolling Stone, Ryan Reed wrote: "The haunting track is right in line with Sheeran's trademark style, filled with dramatic crooning and quiet acoustic guitars."[9] Delia Paunescu of Vulture.com found "I See Fire" "so calming it may put you to sleep".[16]

Accolades

[edit]

In December 2013, Sheeran said he would be promoting the song until end of the awards season,[17] in his bid to bagging a nomination at the 2014 Academy Awards (although it was not nominated).[18] "I See Fire" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2014 Satellite Awards.[19] It also received nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media from the 2015 Grammy Award.[20]

Chart performance

[edit]

Since its release on 5 November 2013, "I See Fire" has been listed for 727 weeks in 19 different charts.[21] Its first appearance was on 7 November in the Ireland Singles Top 100, where it debuted at number 22.[22] The song was successful in many European countries, with a peak position of number 1 in Norway and Sweden.[23][24] In Sheeran's home country, the single peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, spending 65 weeks on the chart.[25] The British Phonographic Industry certified the single silver on 26 December 2014, denoting sales of 400,000 units.[26]

"I See Fire" was well received in Oceania. In New Zealand, single peaked at number 1 for three weeks.[27] It was certified triple platinum by the Recorded Music NZ, denoting sales of 45,000 copies. "I See Fire" is the 6th top-selling single in New Zealand in 2014.[28] In Australia, the single peaked at number 10 for 3 non-consecutive weeks.[29] It has been certified two-time platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association, denoting sales of 140,000 copies as of 2014.[30] In Australia's 2014 year-end chart, "I See Fire" was ranked at number 78.[31]

According to commercial streaming company Spotify, "I See Fire" was the most streamed song from a soundtrack between 2013 and 2014, outperforming other popular contemporaries.[32] In April 2015, Spotify released a report of the most streamed tracks worldwide under the category sleep. "I See Fire" was placed at number 4, joining Sheeran's other 6 songs ranked in the top 20. Sleep is one of Spotify's most popular categories "that people also use for general relaxation and to help themselves unwind".[33][34] The Guardian columnist Tim Dowling suggests that the report is an indication of "very popular, slightly mellow songs that keep cropping up on sleep playlists" but not a list of a "carefully curated journey to unconsciousness".[35]

Cover versions

[edit]

The American singer-songwriter Peter Hollens recorded a version of the song. Hollens had previously recorded "Misty Mountain" off the soundtrack for the first installment of The Hobbit series. His version of "I See Fire" features "98 different sound tracks" layered onto "8–14 vocal parts" that Hollens recorded.[36]

The Norwegian DJ and record producer Kygo released a remixed version of the song which became popular.[37] Kygo's success is attributed largely to the reception of his remixed version of "I See Fire".[38] Less than two years later, the remix had been played 26 million times on SoundCloud.[39] As of March 2025, the version has been played over 80 million times on SoundCloud.[40]

The New Zealand musical trio Sol3 Mio released a cover version of "I See Fire" in support of New Zealand's participation at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.[41]

German band Axel Rudi Pell released a cover in 2017 on their album The Ballads V.

German band Feuerschwanz released a Folk Metal cover of the song in 2020.[42]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[96] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[97] 3× Platinum 90,000*
Belgium (BRMA)[98] Platinum 20,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[99] Platinum 60,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[100] 3× Platinum 240,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[101] 5× Platinum 450,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[102] 4× Platinum 1,200,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[103] 2× Platinum 100,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[104] 6× Platinum 180,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[105] Platinum 60,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[106] 4× Platinum 160,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[26] 2× Platinum 1,200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[107] Platinum 1,000,000‡
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[108] 4× Platinum 10,400,000†

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label
Various[109] 5 November 2013 Digital download

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

I See Fire

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"I See Fire" is a by English , commissioned for the soundtrack of the 2013 fantasy film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, directed by . Released on 5 November 2013, it serves as the end-credits track and is written from the perspective of the Dwarves, reflecting themes of loss and resilience amid the destruction of their homeland in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. Sheeran composed and recorded the bulk of the track in a single day after viewing an early screening of the film, aiming to create a Celtic-influenced that would ease audiences out of its intense climax, particularly the fiery assault on the Lonely Mountain. Despite having no prior experience with the , he overdubbed the instrument himself to enhance the song's epic, choir-backed arrangement, which features his signature . Director selected the piece after his daughter recommended Sheeran, praising it as the artist's "emotional response to the film" and deeming it a perfect fit. Upon release, "I See Fire" debuted at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Sheeran's first solo single in over two years, and achieved number-one positions in New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden. The song's music video, featuring clips from the film, further amplified its tie to the Hobbit franchise, contributing to its enduring popularity among fans of both Sheeran's folk-pop style and Tolkien's works.

Background and development

Film context

"I See Fire" was commissioned specifically for Peter Jackson's The Hobbit film trilogy, where it serves as the end-credits theme for the second installment, , which was released in theaters on , 2013. The film's narrative centers on the dragon 's reign of fire and destruction, culminating in themes that foreshadow the epic Battle of the Five Armies depicted in the trilogy's conclusion, with the song's thematic elements drawing inspiration from these motifs of devastation and resilience in J.R.R. Tolkien's . The invitation to contribute the track was extended to Ed Sheeran by Peter Jackson's production team and Warner Bros., capitalizing on Sheeran's burgeoning fame following the success of his 2011 debut album, +. Sheeran's acoustic style and storytelling lyrics aligned well with the film's epic tone, leading to his selection for this high-profile opportunity. The song appears as the fourteenth track on the film's original motion picture soundtrack, released on December 10, 2013, by .

Song conception

Ed Sheeran's inspiration for "I See Fire" stemmed from the central storyline of J.R.R. Tolkien's , particularly the dramatic imagery of fire, the dragon , and the impending doom threatening the dwarves as they approach the Lonely Mountain. The song captures the desolation and peril faced by Durin's folk, reflecting the film's climactic scenes of destruction and the enduring hope amid loss. Sheeran, a longtime fan of the fantasy genre who cited as the first book he read as a child, connected deeply with these elements during the creative process. In interviews, Sheeran recounted conceiving the song during his visit to the film's production sets in in mid-2013, shortly after being approached by director . The opportunity arose when Jackson's daughter, , attended one of Sheeran's concerts in earlier that year and recommended him for the soundtrack; Jackson subsequently invited Sheeran to contribute an end-credits song. While vacationing in , Sheeran received an from Jackson requesting the track, prompting him to fly to immediately. Upon arrival, he screened an early cut of The Desolation of Smaug, which ignited his ideas, leading him to sketch the initial melody and structure on guitar that same day. Sheeran envisioned "I See Fire" as a somber, acoustic-driven folk to evoke themes of loss and resilience, aligning with his self-described "big " admiration for the franchise while providing an intimate counterpoint to the film's orchestral score. Influenced by his roots in traditional , the early demos emphasized gentle guitar strumming and haunting vocals to convey emotional depth. Over the following days in , he refined these concepts with input from Jackson, who offered guidance on the song's tone and energy during daily reviews.

Composition and production

Writing process

Ed Sheeran wrote "I See Fire" in a single session immediately after screening an early cut of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in late 2013, holding the sole songwriting credit for the track. This rapid composition process allowed him to capture an emotional response to the film's climactic scenes, transforming the immediate inspiration into a cohesive piece without extensive revisions. The lyrics center on themes of destruction and rebirth, using as a central for the devastation wrought by the dragon while evoking hope amid ruin, as seen in lines like "And should the sky be filled with and smoke / Keep watchin' over Durin's sons." Specific imagery, such as "I see inside his eyes," directly alludes to Smaug's fiery gaze, grounding the narrative in the film's visuals of the attack on Lake-town and the dwarves' quest. Sheeran approached the writing from the perspective of a dwarf, immersing himself in the story's lore to convey a of communal loss and resilience. Musically, the song employs a verse-chorus form in Bb minor, with driving the sparse opening verses and establishing a folk foundation. It builds dynamically to a choral climax in the bridge and outro, incorporating Celtic influences that reflect Sheeran's folk-oriented style shaped by his roots and Irish heritage; he initially envisioned an epic choral piece but shifted to this intimate, rhythmic approach during writing. The composition maintains a of 76 beats per minute and a duration of 5 minutes and 1 second, emphasizing emotional depth through layering rather than rapid pacing.

Recording and personnel

"I See Fire" was written and recorded primarily in a single day at Park Road Post, the film post-production facility in Wellington, New Zealand, shortly after Ed Sheeran screened an early version of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in late 2013. Sheeran handled much of the instrumentation himself during this initial session, learning violin on the spot to contribute to the track's arrangement. The song was produced by , with recording engineered by and Steve Gallagher. Mixing was overseen by Pete Cobbin and Kirsty Whalley, engineers from who were on-site at Park Road Post working on Howard Shore's orchestral score for the film; their efforts ensured the track's sonic cohesion with the soundtrack's epic elements. Mastering followed at by Miles Showell. Key personnel credits include on lead and backing vocals, , and ; and Nigel Collins on .

Release and promotion

Single and soundtrack release

"I See Fire" was first released as a digital single on November 5, 2013, through and , marking 's first solo release in over two years. The track became available for download on platforms including and . The song appears as the fourteenth track on the soundtrack album The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), composed primarily by and released on December 10, 2013, via with catalog number WTM39489. A physical CD edition of the single followed on November 18, 2013, under (catalog no. USNLR1300728). The soundtrack was distributed in multiple formats, including a limited vinyl edition released on December 3, 2013. Prior to the single's official launch, "I See Fire" debuted in promotional trailers for the film starting in early November 2013, building anticipation ahead of the movie's December 13 premiere.

Music video and marketing

The official music video for "I See Fire" premiered on Vevo and YouTube on November 5, 2013, coinciding with the single's digital release as part of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug soundtrack. Directed by Shane Ramirez, the video runs for 5 minutes and 23 seconds and stars Ed Sheeran as the sole performer. The video depicts Sheeran delivering an acoustic performance in a dark, misty forest environment, with flickering flames and fire effects illuminating the surroundings to mirror the song's imagery of destruction and peril. These visuals are intercut with exclusive footage from the film, including scenes of the dragon and the fiery devastation of Dale, reinforcing the track's thematic connection to the movie's narrative. In terms of production, the video was crafted to complement the film's epic fantasy aesthetic, emphasizing atmospheric elements like fog and practical fire to create an immersive, otherworldly tone without relying heavily on CGI. It served as a key promotional tool for both the and the film's December 2013 theatrical release, integrating seamlessly with the broader marketing efforts for : The Desolation of , including its use as the end-credits song. Marketing for the video and single leveraged the film's high-profile campaign, including online distribution through official channels and tie-ins to movie trailers and previews. The release generated immediate buzz on social media platforms, where fans shared clips and discussions, amplifying visibility ahead of the film's premiere.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in November 2013 as the end-credits song for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, "I See Fire" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional depth and atmospheric folk style while noting its ties to the film's themes. Critics highlighted the song's haunting quality and Sheeran's vocal performance. Renowned for Sound described it as "both beautiful and haunting," commencing with an chorus that builds gradually with and other instruments to convey unparalleled emotion, positioning it as Sheeran at his best. Entertainment Weekly's Nick Catucci awarded it a B+ grade (75/100), calling it "a lovely, folky, Tolkien-ian that builds to a choral climax." Some critiques were mixed, acknowledging the song's appeal but critiquing its integration or originality. Movie Wave found it "a pleasant enough folk song" but generic, arguing it fails to connect as effectively with the score as the previous film's end-credits track. Filmtracks similarly deemed it "pleasant enough" as a , though it "doesn't quite fit the epic scope" of Shore's orchestral work. Aggregate critic scores reflect this balance, with Album of the Year compiling a 75/100 based on available professional reviews. Reviewers frequently analyzed the lyrics' thematic resonance with J.R.R. Tolkien's lore, emphasizing the fire imagery as a for and communal fate. Catucci specifically lauded its "Tolkien-ian" essence, tying the building intensity to the story's epic stakes. The song's production, with its stripped-back acoustic elements swelling to choral heights, was seen as evoking atmospheric tension suited to the film's climactic dragon confrontation.

Accolades and recognition

"I See Fire" received a for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the in 2015, recognizing its contribution to the soundtrack of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, though it did not win. In July 2025, "I See Fire" surpassed 1 billion streams on , earning inclusion in the platform's Billions Club milestone for tracks achieving that streaming threshold; as of November 2025, it has over 1.019 billion streams.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"I See Fire" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 13 during the week ending November 16, 2013, which also marked its peak position, and spent a total of 66 weeks on the chart. The track ranked number 71 on the Official Charts Company's year-end UK Singles Chart for 2014. In the United States, the song debuted and peaked at number 1 on the chart for the week of November 23, 2013, equivalent to number 101 on the main Hot 100, and spent 1 week on the chart. It performed stronger on rock-oriented charts, reaching number 1 on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart. Internationally, "I See Fire" achieved significant success, topping the charts in for three weeks in January 2014 and spending 40 weeks in the top 40 there. It peaked at number 3 in , where it charted for 63 weeks, number 8 with 51 weeks on the chart, number 10 in on the ARIA Singles Chart, and number 18 in on the Oricon International Singles Chart. The song experienced long-tail performance, re-entering several national charts in amid the release of the final film in trilogy. By 2025, it maintained sustained streaming presence, appearing in 's global top 500 within fantasy-themed playlists and charting at number 65 on the German chart on July 7, 2025. As of November 2025, the song has over 1.01 billion streams on .
Chart (2013–2014)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
UK Singles (OCC)1366
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)11
US Rock Digital Song Sales (Billboard)1—
Australia (ARIA)1020
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)363
Ireland (IRMA)851
Japan International (Oricon)18—
New Zealand (RMNZ)140

Sales and certifications

"I See Fire" achieved substantial commercial success, with global sales exceeding several million units, including streams. By November 2025, the song had exceeded 1 billion streams on Spotify, equivalent to roughly 670,000 album units under standard industry streaming-to-sales ratios. In the , the (BPI) certified the single in 2014 for of 600,000 units, later upgrading it to 3× Platinum in 2022 to reflect combined and streaming equivalents of 1.8 million units. The track's strong chart performance, peaking at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, contributed to its sustained momentum. The (RIAA) certified the single on November 24, 2021, for 1,000,000 units including streaming equivalents. In , the Australian Recording Industry Association () certified it 2× Platinum, denoting 140,000 units. Additional certifications include 3× Platinum from IFPI for 90,000 units, 3× Platinum from for 45,000 units in , and Gold from BVMI in in 2024 for 200,000 stream-equivalent units. According to data, the song generated $10 million in royalties by 2020, further amplified by re-releases tied to the film's anniversary editions.

Legacy and interpretations

Cultural impact

"I See Fire" has left a notable mark on popular culture through its deep ties to J.R.R. Tolkien's , fostering a dedicated following among fantasy enthusiasts and fans alike. The song's epic, folk-infused style, inspired by the destruction in : The Desolation of , has resonated in fan communities, where it often serves as a nostalgic for Tolkien lore. Its association with the film has encouraged creative expressions, including depicting fiery landscapes from the story and various tribute covers that blend it with orchestral or choral elements. Beyond the film, the track has appeared in diverse media contexts, enhancing its reach. It features prominently in the closing credits of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013), but post-release uses include Kygo's remix, which debuted in 2013 and gained traction in scenes, notably performed at festivals like in 2015. This remix, with over 114 million views (as of November 2025), introduced the song to EDM audiences and highlighted its adaptability across genres. Additionally, fan-made integrations, such as edits syncing it to footage from titles like (2014), have proliferated online, amplifying its presence in gaming communities. In fan and legacy spheres, "I See Fire" has become a recurring highlight in live performances and online trends. Sheeran surprised tour groups with an acoustic rendition at New Zealand's Hobbiton set in 2023, evoking the song's origins and delighting Tolkien pilgrims. On platforms like , it has inspired countless covers and challenges since 2023, with users recreating its haunting melody in fantasy-themed videos, contributing to renewed interest among younger audiences. The song's enduring appeal is evident in its inclusion in Sheeran's 2025 tour sets, such as a secret gig where it was performed alongside hits like "," underscoring its status as a fan favorite. Its initial commercial success, including multi-platinum certifications, further boosted its cultural visibility. Academically and culturally, the song has been examined for its lyrical depth and thematic innovation. A 2018 bachelor's thesis from the University of Mataram analyzes the use of figurative language in several songs, including "I See Fire," such as metaphors of fire symbolizing destruction and hope, blending pop accessibility with epic fantasy narratives. This fusion has bolstered Sheeran's reputation as a versatile songwriter capable of crossing genre boundaries, from acoustic folk to cinematic soundtracks. In 2015, it ranked highly on Spotify's sleep playlists, reflecting its soothing, atmospheric quality that extends its influence into wellness and relaxation media.

Cover versions and media uses

"I See Fire" has inspired several notable cover versions by established artists, often reinterpreting its folk-inspired balladry in diverse styles. In 2013, beatmaker released a of the track, transforming its acoustic elements into an electronic production with layered synths and a relaxed , which garnered over 114 million views on (as of November 2025). A cappella artist delivered a multi-layered vocal in late 2013, employing and harmonies to evoke the song's epic theme, amassing 20 million views on his official channel. In 2014, then-rising singer recorded an intimate acoustic rendition of the song's intro on guitar, showcasing his early vocal style and contributing to his growing online presence with 1.4 million views. New Zealand vocal trio released a cover as a single in 2015, featured on their album On Another Note, which peaked at number one on the charts. Their version served as the unofficial anthem for the New Zealand All Blacks during the , blending classical influences with the original's melody to rally fans. Similarly, Irish ensemble included a choral arrangement on their 2015 live album Destiny, performed with and to align with their Celtic sound, highlighting the track's adaptability to traditional instrumentation. Beyond its original placement in the end credits of The Hobbit: The Desolation of (2013), the song has seen limited but targeted uses in other media. The cover's association with the extended its reach through promotional broadcasts and fan events tied to the tournament. himself performed the original live during a surprise appearance at the in in 2023, captivating tourists in an impromptu acoustic set that underscored the song's connection to the franchise. No major sync licenses for additional films, television series, or advertisements have been documented, preserving the track's primary association with its film debut.

References

  1. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/ed-sheeran-releases-hobbit-song-i-see-fire-44219/
  2. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/ed-sheeran/i-see-fire
  3. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/6692/ed-sheeran/
  4. https://acharts.co/song/81741
  5. https://jhwikicollection-20.fandom.com/wiki/The_Hobbit:_The_Desolation_of_Smaug/Credits
  6. http://www.watertower-music.com/release/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/
  7. https://www.discogs.com/release/8255831-Howard-Shore-The-Hobbit-The-Desolation-Of-Smaug-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  8. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ed-sheeran-i-see-fire-music-video
  9. https://www.eonline.com/news/487584/how-ed-sheeran-wrote-his-hobbit-song
  10. https://tunebat.com/Info/I-See-Fire-Ed-Sheeran/6JyHE2IeTdfdwk7T6nRj0L
  11. https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/9367283/Sheeran-had-insider-help-on-Hobbit-gig
  12. https://genius.com/Ed-sheeran-i-see-fire-lyrics/q/producer
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/10275382-Ed-Sheeran-X
  14. https://www.facebook.com/abbeyroad/posts/ed-sheerans-i-see-fire-written-for-the-new-hobbit-film-was-mixed-by-peter-cobbin/10151857898634864/
  15. https://genius.com/Ed-sheeran-i-see-fire-lyrics/q/release-date
  16. https://edsheeran.fandom.com/wiki/I_See_Fire
  17. https://music.apple.com/us/song/i-see-fire/1454324518
  18. https://open.spotify.com/track/1fu5IQSRgPxJL2OTP7FVLW
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/5222435-Howard-Shore-The-Hobbit-The-Desolation-Of-Smaug-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  20. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/ed-sheeran/i-see-fire/
  21. https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/10/20/80937-soundtrack-for-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-to-be-released-on-vinyl/
  22. https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1pwrdx/the_hobbit_the_desolation_of_smaug_trailer_3/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7215412/
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fngvQS_PmQ
  25. https://thetolkienist.com/2013/11/10/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-fan-event-ed-sheeran-and-production-diary-12/
  26. https://renownedforsound.com/single-review-ed-sheeran-i-see-fire/
  27. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/39409-ed-sheeran-i-see-fire.php
  28. https://www.movie-wave.net/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/
  29. https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/hobbit_smaug.html
  30. https://grammy.com/news/grammy-performers-announced-test
  31. https://kworb.net/spotify/track/1fu5IQSRgPxJL2OTP7FVLW.html
  32. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/ed-sheeran-i-see-fire/
  33. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-singles-chart/20140105/37501/
  34. https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/2013-11-23/
  35. https://www.billboard.com/artist/ed-sheeran/chart-history/rds/
  36. https://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Ed+Sheeran&titel=I+See+Fire&cat=s
  37. http://irish-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ed+Sheeran&titel=I+See+Fire&cat=s
  38. http://www.itunescharts.net/artists/music/ed-sheeran/songs/i-see-fire/
  39. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/6eUKZXaKkcviH0Ku9w2n3V_songs.html
  40. https://www.bpi.co.uk/
  41. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=ed+sheeran#search_section
  42. https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/I_See_Fire
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWYp1xRPH5g
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84cePhZH8xM
  45. https://ew.com/music/watch-ed-sheeran-crash-hobbiton-tour-i-see-fire-performance/
  46. https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/11/04/ed-sheeran-surprises-fans-with-secret-gig-in-dublin/
  47. https://eprints.unram.ac.id/8182/1/ARTICLE.pdf
  48. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ed-sheeran-spotify-sleep-playlists-6531669/
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yymS1Pb7JfM
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4LYCC54ycc
  51. https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-see-fire-single/1452393224
  52. https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/602537/Sol3-Mio-world-cup-song-ed-sheeran-i-see-fire-by-New-Zealand-All-Blacks-Sol3-Mio
  53. https://open.spotify.com/track/2IS1snn7mqeQB2CYCvsPQo
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