[2][3] Co-written by Nelson, Tayla Parx and Em Walcott, it lyrically addresses a turbulent relationship with themes focused around domestic violence.

The music video was praised, after Nelson worked with Women's Aid to present a graphic detail of the highs and lows of being in an abusive relationship.

Nelson first teased the release of "Bad Thing" on her social media pages with a short video clip captioned "It's time".

"Bad Thing" has been described as a jazz-infused indie pop song, with comparisons made to Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish.

[8][9] In an exclusive first listen for Official Charts, Carl Smith's reaction was positive, describing it as "Jesy returning with a sultry, string-laden single that sees her explore a new sound".

Set in London's East End in the 1960s, it features Nelson's portraying a barmaid who meet her boyfriend, Sid, who deals with addiction and infidelity.