Fair

Album: single release only (2022)
Charted: 115
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • We all know breaking up is hard to do, but sometimes moving on can be even harder. During this slow-simmering ballad, Normani questions whether its "fair" her ex is enjoying his life without her, while 200 days after their split, she still can't stop thinking about him.
  • Is it fair that you moved on?
    'Cause I swear that I haven't
    Is it right that you've grown
    And I'm still stuck in habits?


    The song captures Normani in one of her most vulnerable moments. "Literally went through every possible emotion one could feel when experiencing heartbreak," the former Fifth Harmony singer said. "Love is scary as hell especially when it seems like the other person has effortlessly moved on and you just can't seem to, no matter how hard you try. My heart was also going through it like many of yours have."
  • Normani wrote the deep-bass R&B ballad with:

    English singer-songwriter Abby "Absolutely" Keen. The sister of singer-songwriter Raye ("Decline," "Love Me Again"), she's also co-penned songs for Tinashe ("333") and Jesy Nelson (Boyz").

    Justin Bieber producer Bernard "Harv" Harvey. He also helmed this track.

    Cherish group member and Harv's wife, Felisha King Harvey. Besides being a member of the R&B group, Felish King Harvey has also co-penned songs with her husband for the likes of Sevyn Streeter ("Before I Do") and Justin Bieber ("Peaches").
  • Normani performed "Fair" for the first time on live television during the March 17, 2022 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
  • Harv wanted to create a song with substance, showing Normani to be an artist with genuine emotions and feelings. "I think 'Fair' was just tapping into like her sensuality and her femininity, and if you listen to it, you can tell she's being vulnerable," he told Consequence. "It's her coming into her own as an artist and her music. It's passion. It's heartfelt. It's her feelings. So, I just wanted to find a way to convey that with her musically, and while working with her, I wanted to bring that out of her."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."