Songfacts®:

• "You Go Your Way" is an exploration of love and letting go, inspired by Perrie Edwards' very own romance with footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The song was released on October 4, 2024, as Perrie's third solo single after Little Mix announced their hiatus.
• The story behind the song goes back to November 2014 when the couple first matched on the dating app Raya. After a few dates, Perrie found herself falling head over heels for Alex. But, as fate would have it, she and her Little Mix bandmates were gearing up for a three-month tour across the US with Ariana Grande. In a moment of honesty, she decided it was best to tell Alex that a relationship probably wouldn't work out while she was off gallivanting around the country.
  
  "I told Alex, you go your way and I'll go mine and if it's meant to be we'll find each other again when I am back," Perrie said of the song. "He wasn't happy with this idea and made our relationship official there and then!"
  
  Fast forward to the release of this song and they're happily engaged with a beautiful son. Perrie mused, "I truly believe if you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If not, it was never meant to be."
• Originally, "You Go Your Way" started as an underground club single from the London-based electronic duo Joy Anonymous, who introduced the song to Perrie during a writing session. "I'd never worked with them before, and something about their energy just drew me in. I think they're so talented," Perrie told Euphoria.
  
  However, crafting the track proved to be quite the odyssey. "Oh my god, I think we probably have over 20 versions of the production," she revealed, sounding equal parts bemused and amused.
• The initial vibe leaned toward a bouncy '80s feel-good sound, but as the collaboration progressed, guitars were added, resulting in a funky bass line that transformed the entire piece. "It has so many different elements from different genres and eras that it takes over my body when I hear it. It makes me happy," Perrie said.
• Perrie shared with The Independent that her creative process thrives when she's surrounded by people who make her feel safe and comfortable. This connection was crucial while collaborating with Joy Anonymous, whom she affectionately calls her "hen joy" because of his supportive and kind nature. This bond enabled her to give her best performance in the studio, resulting in a song that blends uplifting sounds with deeper emotional themes of parting ways.
• The accompanying music video, directed by Charlie Di Plácido (known for his work with Jungle, Little Simz, and Cleo Sol), is described by Perrie as "West Side Story meets Grease meets grunge."
  
  The entire video was shot in just one take. Yet, despite the dazzling choreography on display, Perrie admits she's "not massively keen on dancing." You'd think after years of performing with Little Mix, she'd feel confident, but the shoot still presented its challenges. Much to her surprise, she nailed the steps in no time.