It was released July 15, 2014 through Capitol Records as the lead single from Lambert's debut major-label album, Heart on My Sleeve (2014).

[2] "Secrets" is primarily a pop song, but also draws on elements of hip hop in Lambert's "sing-talk" delivery and B.o.B's rap verse.

[3] It is composed in the key of C major and is set to a moderate tempo of approximately 93 BPM.

[4] The song features confessional lyrics based on Lambert's real-life insecurities, ranging from dysfunctional family situations to her homosexuality, with an overarching message of acceptance and self-empowerment.

[5] "Secrets" debuted at number 39 on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart dated August 2, 2014.