Ledisi told Houston Press, "This song is about celebrating being a very intricate woman which means I can be complex, change my mind and still be a strong and happy individual.

"[4] A piano opens the song, followed by Ledisi performing the first verse as the bass guitar and drums start.

Music magazine Billboard's Jazmine Gray praised Ledisi for her display of powerful vocals on the song.

[3] The magazine also stated, "Her heartfelt lyrics and keen vocals create a passionate ballad, and if this single is any indication, Ledisi is sure to have another praiseworthy album.

"[3] Evelyn McDonnell of Los Angeles Times praised the assertiveness with Ledisi delivers her lines, stating "She sings the affirmation a few times, for good measure: “I’m a woman” — neither shouted nor whispered, with a few notes of piano and a slight echo for minimal effect.

"[5] The Mercury News deemed the song "an empowerment lecture over a processional groove, with lyrics about how women are complicated but righteous.

"Pieces of Me" was more successful on the US Adult R&B Songs chart where it debuted at number twenty-three April 2, 2011.

[10] Ledisi performed "Pieces of Me" during various public appearances, including the Tom Joyner Morning Show,[11] Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,[12] and 106 & Park.

On September 12, 2020, she gave on a free virtual concert titled This One's for You: A Night of Ledisi Live.