Songfacts®:

• One of the drawbacks of fame for celebrities like Sam Smith is the challenge of building a relationship with someone when you're constantly in the public eye. Smith wrote this seductive disco anthem with Calvin Harris, Stargate, and Jimmy Napes, the day after a frustrating date. "I was just so sick of going on dates where people treated me like a friend or just wanted to meet me because I'm Sam Smith," Sam told Apple Music.
• Sam Smith released "I'm Not Here To Make Friends" as the fourth singer from Gloria. The album is an unapologetic celebration of Smith's individuality and hedonistic lifestyle. "Even though the song has nothing to do with it, the song title is also an attitude and spirit on the record that I have," Smith said. "I'm done trying to please people now."
• Jessie Reyez is the female vocalist. Colombian/Canadian singer Reyez sings on two other Gloria tracks: "Gimme" and "Perfect."
• The song starts with a RuPaul clip taken from an episode of the American reality program RuPaul's Drag Race.
• Tanu Muino (Lil Nas X, Harry Styles, Normani) directed the music video. The visual sees Smith arrive at a grand estate in style via a gold helicopter. Inside the country house, the singer is in their element surrounded by hedonistic revelry. They perform flamboyant dances alongside a large troupe of backup dancers while partygoers fawn around them.
  
  The visual sparked controversy for its sexual content. Some critics called for age restrictions on music videos, citing this clip as evidence. Smith's fanbase defended the singer, claiming the criticism is not only unjustified but also has homophobic and transphobic undertones.