The song was released on November 2, 2018. Grande co-wrote the song with Victoria McCants, Tayla Parx, Tommy Brown, Charles Anderson, and Michael Foster, while the last three produced the song. The song was released after Grande broke off her engagement to comedian Pete Davidson, who is known for starring on "Saturday Night Live". Its lyrics speak of some of her exes (such as rappers Big Sean and the late Mac Miller) and why the relationships ended. Grande thanks them for helping her grow as a person throughout the song.