The track features American singer-songwriter Skylar Grey on the chorus plus additional vocals on the verses as well as piano playing and was written by the latter along with Minaj.

"Bed of Lies" features a restrained keyboard and lyrics that touch upon themes of "heartfelt litany of grievances" about an ex-lover.

[citation needed] "Bed of Lies" is a hip hop and pop song, written in the key of B major with a moderate tempo of 86 beats per minute.

[7] Caitlin White from MTV News praised the song, saying "Nicki has always done emotional with just the right touch of vulnerability and strength".

[8] Christina Lee from Idolator called it "a more pointed and detailed version of debut Pinkprint single 'Pills n Potions'".

[9] Lindsey Weber from Vulture said "Nicki takes a sickly sweet Skylar Grey hook and wraps a nasty ode around it".