Co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it is the first record to be released under Jackson's independent label Rhythm Nation, distributed by BMG Rights Management.
Lyrically, the song depicts Jackson longing to reunite with her lover, anticipating that when she does, the couple will get "no sleep."
Due to its slow tempo and sentimentality, it has been described as embodying traits of quiet storm, a radio format.
It was well received by music critics, who praised the song for its sultry aesthetic; reviewers complemented Jackson's vocals, as well as the song's subtle production style, noting that it appeared to be a conscientious choice on her part and that of her producers to avoid contemporary musical trends.
The album version of the song features additional verses from American rapper J. Cole.