 Written by Diane Warren, "The One I Gave My Heart To" is a power ballad with more prominent pop influences, which are more apparent in the single version, in contrast to her previous works which are more leaning towards R&B and hip hop.The song is composed in the key of G major and follows the verse-chorus form with Aaliyah doing improvisations at the ad-libbed last verse, marking the climax of the song.Like "Hot Like Fire", the song was remixed for its single release.