"Sign of the Times" was conceived by Harry Styles while playing chords on the piano in Jamaica. He explained that the song is written from the perspective of a mother giving birth to a child, facing a complication where she won't survive but the child will. She has five minutes to tell her child to "Go forth and conquer." This debut solo single from his first solo album is a pop rock and soft rock ballad with glam rock influences, described as an "apocalyptic" power ballad. At its heart, it plays like a poignant farewell and a powerful message of hope for the future.