Good Days
"Good Days" is a neo-soul and alternative R&B song by American singer-songwriter SZA, featuring background vocals from English musician Jacob Collier and production by Carter Lang, Nascent, and Los Hendrix.[1][2][3] It was released as a standalone single on December 25, 2020, through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records.[4] The track samples "In Too Deep" by Jacob Collier and Kiana Ledé, incorporating psychedelic soul elements into its dreamy, introspective sound.[5] Lyrically, "Good Days" explores themes of self-reflection, resilience, and manifesting positivity amid personal struggles and past heartbreaks, with SZA delivering ethereal vocals over a lush, atmospheric arrangement that evokes nostalgia and hope.[6] The song's creation spanned several years, beginning in 2017 with initial beats from Los Hendrix and Nascent, before Lang refined it and Collier contributed harmonies and production ideas later.[6] An official music video, directed by SZA herself, premiered on March 5, 2021, featuring surreal, dreamlike visuals that complement the track's meditative vibe.[7] Commercially, "Good Days" achieved significant success, debuting at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaking at number 9, marking SZA's first top-10 entry as a lead artist. It also reached number 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and topped the R&B Streaming Songs chart, while accumulating over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify as of October 2024.[8][9][10] The single received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative production, with Pitchfork ranking it at number 20 among the best songs of 2021 and praising its wistful yet empowering tone.[11] In 2022, it was included on the deluxe edition of SZA's second studio album, SOS, further cementing its role in her discography.[12]Background and production
Development
The development of "Good Days" was deeply rooted in SZA's personal experiences with anxiety and her journey of emotional growth following the release of her debut album Ctrl in 2017, which itself explored themes of insecurity and self-doubt. SZA has described the song as a personal mantra crafted during a period of introspection, aimed at manifesting hope and self-love amid ongoing struggles with despair and relational reflections. This evolution marked a shift toward more affirmative narratives in her work, building on the vulnerability of Ctrl while emphasizing resilience and optimism.[13][14] SZA began writing "Good Days" in 2019 during early sessions for her sophomore album SOS, initially sketching ideas in a casual, bedroom environment that reflected her organic creative process. The track evolved over the following year, with SZA finalizing lyrics sporadically in 2020, drawing from bursts of inspiration tied to her emotional state at the time. Producers Carter Lang and Los Hendrix contributed foundational elements during these sessions, starting with a guitar riff conceived by Los Hendrix in 2018 but adapted specifically for SZA's vision.[6][15][16] The song's collaboration origins highlighted influences from contemporary R&B and soul traditions, particularly through the incorporation of a sample from Jacob Collier and Kiana Ledé's "In Too Deep" (2020), which provided lush, harmonic textures emblematic of soulful introspection. SZA reached out to Collier via direct message for additional background vocals, resulting in his swift contribution of layered harmonies that enhanced the track's ethereal quality within roughly 20 minutes. This partnership, alongside production from Nascent, underscored a blend of modern R&B experimentation with soul's emotive depth, aligning with SZA's broader stylistic explorations in the SOS era.[17][6][15] Amid repeated delays to the SOS album—originally anticipated for 2020 but postponed due to creative refinements and external pressures—SZA opted to release "Good Days" as a standalone single on December 25, 2020, allowing fans early access to the material while the full project gestated. This decision stemmed from a desire to share a message of uplift during the pandemic, even as the song remained part of SOS's conceptual framework. The track was later included on the album upon its eventual release in December 2022.[6][15][18]Recording
The recording of "Good Days" began in 2018 when producer Los Hendrix (Carlos Muñoz) created the initial beat in Los Angeles as a 16-bar guitar loop layered with bass, utilizing a Line 6 delay pedal to incorporate reverse effects and sped-up sounds for a dreamy texture.[19] Nascent (Christopher Ruelas) then contributed drums from Chicago, building on the foundation to add rhythmic depth without overpowering the ambient vibe.[19] Carter Lang co-produced the track and played it for SZA, facilitating her involvement.[16] SZA recorded an initial verse in early 2019, but the project underwent multiple revisions over the next year and a half as various artists attempted the track before she returned to add the hook in 2020.[19] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacob Collier enhanced the song with intricate vocal harmonies, co-writing elements that interpolated the melody from his 2020 collaboration "In Too Deep" with Kiana Ledé; these harmonies were layered subtly in the background to evoke a sense of ethereal uplift, blending seamlessly with SZA's lead vocals.[19] The producers refined the self-sampled guitar elements—chopping and re-layering them for cohesion—resulting in a stripped-back arrangement emphasizing acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion over dense production.[19][15] The track was finalized in late 2020 after these iterations, capturing a minimalist sound that prioritized emotional intimacy, and was released as a surprise single on December 25, 2020.[19] According to Los Hendrix, the extended development process allowed the song to evolve organically: "It was like a year and a half… between when SZA first recorded a verse… and when they next heard she was moving forward with it."[19] Full production credits list SZA, Los Hendrix, Nascent, Carter Lang, and Jacob Collier as key contributors to composition and arrangement.[20]Composition
Music
"Good Days" is a neo-soul and R&B track infused with acoustic and dream pop elements, characterized by its ethereal and introspective soundscape.[21][22] The song adheres to a verse-chorus structure, spanning verses, choruses, an interlude, and an instrumental section before culminating in an outro, with an overall runtime of 4:40.[23] It is composed in the key of C♯ minor at a tempo of 121 BPM, though the half-time feel lends a more relaxed pace around 60 BPM.[24][25] The instrumentation centers on a prominent acoustic guitar loop that drives the melody, complemented by harp-like samples and subtle ambient textures in a minimalistic arrangement.[14][26] This setup gradually builds tension, leading to a lush choral outro featuring layered vocal harmonies.[15] SZA's vocal performance highlights her use of stacked harmonies and improvisational ad-libs, which enhance the song's dreamy, floating atmosphere and tie into its themes of hopeful reflection.[6]Lyrics
The lyrics of "Good Days" explore core themes of self-reflection, healing from past relationships, optimism, and manifestation, with the recurring chorus motif of manifesting "good days" serving as a personal mantra for envisioning better times amid emotional turmoil.[27] SZA delves into the weight of former romances, portraying them as sources of lingering despair and self-doubt, as in the verse "I try to keep from losin' the rest of me / I worry that I wasted the best of me on you, babe," which highlights the fear of emotional depletion from unbalanced connections.[14] Lines such as "I disappear if you let me" capture SZA's mental health struggles, evoking sensations of sudden dissociation and instability that disrupt daily presence and continuity.[14] Biblical allusions further underscore this inner conflict and path to redemption, such as "Feeling like Job when he lost his shit / Gotta hold my own," drawing parallels to profound loss and resilient faith in recovery.[27] SZA employs poetic devices like nature metaphors to symbolize renewal.[28] These lyrics signify an evolution in SZA's songwriting, shifting from the darker, raw explorations of heartbreak and insecurity on her 2017 album Ctrl to a more hopeful tone that previews the varied emotional maturity of her 2022 album SOS.Release and promotion
Release
"Good Days" was surprise-released by SZA on December 25, 2020, as a digital single available for download and streaming through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records.[29][28] The track's rollout followed earlier teases on her social media, including an Instagram Story snippet in July 2020 and its appearance as the outro in the music video for "Hit Different," but the full release came without prior formal announcement, positioning it as a holiday gift to fans.[15][30] As a standalone single, "Good Days" served to generate buzz ahead of SZA's second studio album, SOS, which was released on December 9, 2022.[31] The song was incorporated into the standard edition of SOS as its 22nd track.) A limited-edition yellow 10-inch vinyl single followed on September 17, 2021, expanding its physical formats.[32]Marketing efforts
SZA began promoting "Good Days" through social media campaigns in mid-2020, starting with a teaser snippet shared on her Instagram story on July 15, which quickly garnered fan excitement and requests for a full release.[15] This initial post marked the onset of fan engagement efforts, as SZA interacted with comments and shared updates on the track's development, fostering anticipation among her followers in the ensuing months.[15] The single's radio promotion commenced shortly after its digital launch, with "Good Days" added to key rhythmic and urban contemporary playlists in January 2021, helping to amplify its reach on stations targeting R&B and hip-hop audiences.[33] This push aligned with the song's rapid ascent on airplay charts, supported by targeted outreach from Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records to programmers.[33] Leveraging a holiday-themed rollout, "Good Days" was released on December 25, 2020, capitalizing on Christmas timing to encourage viral sharing and seasonal playlists across platforms.[34] The uplifting theme resonated during year-end festivities, prompting fans to post celebratory content and boosting organic spread.[15] Sustained visibility came through ongoing digital efforts, including inclusions on Spotify's editorial playlists like SZA Radio and R&B Essentials, which exposed the track to millions of listeners.[35] The song's inclusion on SOS further boosted its promotion, contributing to over one billion streams on Spotify as of March 2024.[8] Additionally, the song inspired widespread use on TikTok, where user-generated videos and informal challenges drove streams throughout 2021-2025.[36]Visual media
Fan-made video
The official fan video for SZA's "Good Days" was uploaded to YouTube on February 10, 2021, nearly two months after the song's audio release on December 25, 2020.[37][38] It consists of a montage compiled from fan-submitted clips showcasing personal moments of joy and everyday "good days," such as roller skating, dancing, and other uplifting activities, selected and edited by members of SZA's team including editor Fahmeed.[39][37] This approach stemmed from SZA's public call for fan contributions in mid-January 2021, which generated an overwhelming response and allowed supporters to visually interpret the song's themes of positivity and healing.[40] The video's creation aimed to build a sense of community and encourage viral sharing among fans experiencing isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning with the track's role as an anthem of optimism in challenging times.[39] By featuring authentic, user-generated content, it emphasized collective emotional connection over polished production, resonating deeply with viewers who appreciated its heartfelt representation of resilience.[41] The release garnered positive feedback for capturing the song's uplifting spirit, with the video accumulating over 750,000 views and highlighting its enduring emotional impact.[37] This grassroots effort preceded the more narrative-driven official music video, released in March 2021.[7]Official music video
The official music video for "Good Days" was released on March 5, 2021, through SZA's official YouTube channel. Directed by SZA herself (under her birth name, Solána Rowe), the video features executive production by Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith and additional executive production by Angel J. Rosa, with production handled by TDE Films and AJR Films. The visual was conceived as a self-directed project, emphasizing SZA's creative vision for a narrative that complements the song's introspective themes. The video employs a surreal, dreamlike aesthetic, depicting SZA embarking on a psychedelic journey after consuming magic mushrooms, which transports her into a fantastical wonderland. Sequences showcase her in natural forest settings, where she transforms into a growing mushroom, dances among other fungi, and sprays spores in symbolic acts of renewal. Additional imagery includes ethereal library scenes with towering bookshelves, where SZA spins on a pole adorned with crystals, blending organic and otherworldly elements to evoke a sense of floating transcendence and personal metamorphosis. These visuals align closely with the song's lyrics on healing and optimism, using motifs of rebirth—such as organic growth and hallucinatory evolution—to metaphorically illustrate emotional transformation. Post-production techniques enhance the ethereal quality through soft lighting, vibrant color grading, and seamless dream transitions, creating an immersive, introspective atmosphere that underscores the track's meditative tone.Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Good Days" debuted at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated January 9, 2021, marking SZA's eighth entry on the chart. The song climbed to its peak position of number 9 on the chart dated February 6, 2021, becoming SZA's first top-10 hit as a lead artist. It spent a total of 20 weeks on the Hot 100.[42] Internationally, "Good Days" achieved strong performance across multiple markets. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 13 on the Official Singles Chart and charted for 15 weeks.[43] In Australia, the track reached number 7 on the ARIA Singles Chart, holding the position for one week and totaling 19 weeks on the chart.[44] In New Zealand, it peaked at number 3 on the Recorded Music NZ Singles Chart and remained for 20 weeks. It also peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Global 200. On streaming-specific charts, "Good Days" topped Billboard's R&B Streaming Songs and R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs charts in January 2021.[45] It also reached number 1 on the US Spotify daily streaming chart on January 5, 2021.[15] For year-end rankings, the song placed at number 52 on the 2021 Billboard Hot 100. Its enduring popularity led to renewed streaming activity and re-entries on digital platforms in 2023–2025, coinciding with SZA's SOS Tour, though it did not re-enter the Hot 100 during this period.[46][47]| Chart (2021) | Peak Position | Weeks Charted | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 9 | 20 | Billboard |
| UK Official Singles | 13 | 15 | Official Charts |
| Australia ARIA Singles | 7 | 19 | ARIA |
| New Zealand Top 40 Singles | 3 | 20 | RMNZ |
Certifications and sales
"Good Days" has achieved remarkable commercial success, amassing over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify as of August 2025, reflecting its enduring popularity four years after release.[9] The track marked a streaming milestone as SZA's first song to surpass 1 billion Spotify streams, reaching this benchmark in March 2024 before continuing to grow steadily through 2025.[8] In the United States, the single has generated sales equivalent to 8 million units, encompassing digital downloads, physical sales, and streaming equivalents. This performance earned it an 8× Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 8, 2025. Strong digital sales have been particularly prominent in the US and UK markets, bolstered by consistent streaming and download figures. Additionally, the song's inclusion in the deluxe edition of SZA's album SOS has contributed to its physical sales, with the 2025 reissue SOS Deluxe: LANA featuring it among the expanded tracklist available on CD and vinyl formats.[48] Internationally, "Good Days" has received multiple certifications acknowledging its sales and streaming achievements. In Canada, Music Canada awarded it 7× Platinum status, representing 560,000 units.[49] The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the track 2× Platinum in the United Kingdom in August 2025, equivalent to 1.2 million units.[50] In Australia, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) bestowed 4× Platinum certification, signifying 280,000 units consumed. These accolades underscore the song's global appeal and robust regional performance beyond its chart dominance.| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Certified Units | Certification Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA | 4× Platinum | 280,000 | 2025 |
| Canada | Music Canada | 7× Platinum | 560,000 | - |
| United Kingdom | BPI | 2× Platinum | 1,200,000 | August 2025 |
| United States | RIAA | 8× Platinum | 8,000,000 | February 8, 2025 |