“Nothing Without You” differs from other Starboy songs—such as “Rockin'” and “Party Monster”—in that Abel admits to loving this girl, and wanting to stay together with her. Abel credits his lover for making him who he is today, whether that be his fame, his character or even his music.

The appearance of “Nothing Without You” on Starboy is well timed; just over a week before the release rumours began to circulate about Bella Hadid and Abel splitting up.

On the April 4th, 2014 Abel teased the song in a tweet:

https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/451931213142691840