regarding the album's lyrical content, demarco consciously decided to write a more personal record than its predecessor, "2" (2012), stating there wouldn't be any songs about "absolutely nothing", and that he "need[ed] to get this shit out". three of the album's tracks focus upon his long-term girlfriend kiera mcnally, with "let my baby stay" referencing the couple's decision to move from montreal, quebec, canada to brooklyn.