The song harbors a soothing lullaby tone and retains moody atmosphere. It features soulful undertones, containing an R&B chorus as well as elements of art rock. The track's subdued instrumentation has a cascading piano line dressed over tumbling delayed beats laced with warped bass synth and a subtle interjection of acoustic guitar. Lyrically, "Heard 'Em Say" imparts contemplative moral soliloquies touching on social issues. The melancholic song is written from the perspective of an afflicted, impoverished American lamenting societal fallacies and questioning the ways of the world. West reflects on socioeconomical issues assailing black communities as he encourages listeners to remain optimistic.