An interesting feature of ZAYN 's song is its title and lyrical content, which are widely interpreted as a direct response to his departure from One Direction.
Critics often interpret the lyrics—specifically the line "I've done this before, but not like this"—as a nod to his transition from being in a boy band to having full creative control as a solo artist.
The song was written in a Las Vegas hotel studio immediately after Zayn left the band. He was inspired by a Big Sean concert he attended that same night, reflecting on how he had traveled the world with 1D but was now finally doing it on his own terms.