"Darling, I" is a hip hop and R&B song[2][3] with rhythm inspired by The Neptunes and bouncy clicks in production.[2] Lyrically, it focuses on Tyler, the Creator's attitude toward his relationships and their future.[1][4][5][6] While still boasting about the uniqueness in each of his different luxury cars and romantic partners,[4][6] he also ponders about having a nuclear family at one point ("I love this girl, though, I hit the gold mine / I'm thinkin' new crib, I'm thinkin' two kids")[1][5] but feels as though he is not suited for monogamy,[4][7] and laments the potential consequences of his preference for polyamory: "Until I get infatuated with a new bitch / But when that gray hair finally come, at least I felt somethin' if I ain't find the one / Nobody could fulfill me like this music shit does / So I'll be lonely with these Grammys when it's all said and done."[1][4][5][6]
Critical reception
Matt Mitchell of Paste stated the song "goes from sweet to braggadocious".[1] Reviewing Chromakopia for NME, Fred Garratt-Stanley considered it a moment when Tyler, the Creator's "honesty is refreshing, and his lyrical dexterity gives these reflections humour and humanity".[3]Alexis Petridis of The Guardian called the song "deceptively lovey-dovey" and commented it "manages to spin immaturity with convincing vulnerability."[8] Alex Hudson of Exclaim! noted the song has "surprising sentimental softness".[9] David Crone of AllMusic cited it as one of the tracks from the album which "sound a little like Flower Boy pastiches".[10] Aron A. of HotNewHipHop praised the song for its "gorgeous vocal performance from Teezo Touchdown".[5]