The pop song samples Michael Jackson's "We've Got a Good Thing Going" (1972), and lyrically (staff-written), features Bieber singing about an all-consuming passion and the affection that he feels for his love interest.

"Die in Your Arms" received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who compared the song's style to the ones of Jackson 5, Duffy and Bruno Mars, among others.

In late 2011, Bieber confirmed to radio network Capital FM that he was recording material for his third studio album, which was originally going to be released in early 2012.

"Die in Your Arms" was released as a promotional single to iTunes Store on May 29, 2012 through The Island Def Jam Music Group.

"[9] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard deemed it as "a more classically arranged pop offering" when compared to Bieber's previous single "Boyfriend".

Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone described it as "the sound of Bieber rounding third base, custom-made to get played in Mom's minivan on the way to Little League practice.

"[14] Tanar Anitai of MTV compared the song's style to the ones of Duffy, Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars.