Written in memory of a childhood friend who died from a drug overdose, its lyrics are about losing a close person and the experience of grief.

[2] He released a string of singles to support the album and performed it on an intimate concert tour that started in August 8.

[3] During a performance at Brooklyn Paramount Theater in New York City on October 18, 2024, Mendes dedicated the song to English singer Liam Payne, two days after his death.

[8] Mendes wrote and produced "Heart of Gold" along with Mike Sabath, Eddie Benjamin, and Scott Harris.

[11] Although captioning a post on Instagram with "This one's for you Dejomi",[8] Mendes dedicated the track to anyone who "has lost someone - some who has passed or someone who's alive - whichever way".