Every lyric I’ve ever written has a story behind it. All the hard work that went into the creation of “Pillowtalk” was worthwhile because, as soon as it was finished, I intuitively felt I was on the right path.

One Direction’s lyrics were pretty inoffensive. As I started to mature as an artist, I didn’t want any topic to be off-limits. The lyrics in “Pillowtalk” are honest and un-diluted: “A place that is so pure, so dirty and raw / Be in the bed all day, but all day, bed all day / Fucking in, fighting on / It’s our paradise and it’s our war zone.” Let’s be honest, I’d never have got away with writing, let alone singing, lyrics like that in One Direction.

When I wrote “Pillowtalk”, all the feelings I poured into that song came from genuine experience. That was really important to me. I wanted to sing stuff that I could build, to be authentic and to transmit raw emotion through my vocals. People can see through artists who bullshit, and I hate it when I listen to songs and don’t believe the person singing the lyrics. There’s a strength in honesty, and it felt pretty amazing when my vocals came through more forcefully because I believed in the words I was singing. I hope whoever listens to the song does that too.

“Pillowtalk” isn’t just about sex; it’s more layered than that. It’s about the ups and downs of relationships. Good times and bad times. We’re all tested in relationships – with our families, friends, lovers, whoever – and I like to think that, as I let go of some of the not so loving sides of myself, I encourage those I’m in relationships with to do the same.

“PILLOWTALK” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the chart week of February 20, 2016.

“PILLOWTALK” is certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA and 2x Platinum in the UK.