[2] The song was Ethridge's first single to be released to country radio after signing a record deal with red dot.

[5] After the 2018 release of Ethridge's extended play, "If You Met Me First" achieved immense support from fans on streaming and digital music services in both Canada and the United States.

Its success led to him signing a record deal with ole Management's red dot label in the United States.

[6] Ethridge celebrated the official release of the song as a single to radio at a show at The Aeolian Hall in London, Ontario in May 2019.

[7] Annie Reuter of Billboard described the song as a "soaring ballad", noting Ethridge's "smooth vocals" and the use of "light piano and guitar".