The song is an epic rock ballad with a melancholic and atmospheric feel. At almost six minutes long, "Sign of the Times" is inspired by iconic music from the 70s, such as David Bowie, Queen, and Pink Floyd. The song combines Harry's emotional vocals with a deep piano arrangement, tension-building guitars, and majestic orchestral strings.
The lyrics of "Sign of the Times" are deep and reflective, discussing life's struggles, loss, and the fear of change. Harry once described the song as a narrative of a final conversation between someone facing the end of their life and wanting to give a message to the people they leave behind. With lines like "Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times," the song encourages listeners to face life's challenges with courage and accept the reality that exists.
Critically, the song received high praise for Harry's musical maturity and his courage to explore a more serious genre. "Sign of the Times" was an international chart success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and entering the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
The music video, which features Harry flying across a beautiful landscape, adds to the majestic and symbolic feel of the song. The visuals reinforce themes of freedom, transcendence, and hope in the face of difficult times.
As his solo debut, "Sign of the Times" affirms Harry Styles' artistic identity as a talented musician who transcends genre boundaries, making it one of the most iconic songs of his career and the modern era.