"Polaroid" is a song about a fleeting encounter with someone who leaves a lasting impression. Liam Payne sings about not believing in love at first sight but unexpectedly falling for someone they met that night, only to see them disappear from their life as quickly as they appeared. The use of the Polaroid picture captures the moment and the emotion felt at that time, but as time passes, memories can fade. Lennon Stella sings of a similar experience where they thought they saw the person again but lost them in a sea of people. The bridge suggests that the connection felt in that moment was special and unexpected, despite Payne's reluctance to catch feelings. Ultimately, the song is about the longing to see that person again and the hope that the Polaroid will help capture and preserve that memory.