The song was co-written by Beyoncé, Amanda Ghost, Hugo Chakrabongse, Dave McCracken, and Ian Dench.
Beyoncé reflects on not being fully "present" or caring enough while the relationship was still salvageable ("I know that I was never there or even cared").
The lyrics describe a partner who is physically close but emotionally unreachable—someone who "disappears" just as she tries to connect.