The song was released by Arista Records on October 17, 2019, through digital download and streaming formats as the lead single from his second EP Hold It Together.

Speaking to Billboard, Julia Michaels said "I discovered JP Saxe's music and posted about him around the same time he was listening to Inner Monologue.

Throughout the song, JP Saxe, together with Julia Michaels, reminisces over a past and flawed relationship, hopefully it can start again with the best intentions and a good amount of patience.

After the Emergency Alert System warns of a “significant environmental event” hitting the United States, the video cuts to two lovers – JP Saxe and Julia – reviewing their last text conversation.

As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration instructs citizens to seek refuge in their nearest fallout shelter, JP reads how Julia needed some “space.” Suddenly, with extinction looming, the two reevaluate their priorities and are forced to decide just how they want to spend their last few hours on Earth.

[9] The third video of the song was titled "If the World Was Ending (In Support of Doctors Without Borders)" featuring music artists was released on April 30, 2020.

[10] Sam Smith, H.E.R., Alessia Cara, Niall Horan, Keith Urban and Finneas (the song's producer) are among the long list of names who sing Saxe and Michaels' duet.

Saxe explained that the collaboration was inspired by covers of the song he saw online, and he then texted the featured artists to ask if they'd want to get involved.

[11] "We are so grateful for the incredible work being done by those on the frontlines during this global pandemic," Saxe and Michaels said in a joint statement.