In addition to the band, the song features Kirsty MacColl on backup vocals and Johnny Marr, formerly of The Smiths, on lead guitar.

The song's music video featured innovative uses of typography by graphic designers Tibor Kalman and Emily Oberman.

[8] On its release, Cash Box wrote, "A vision of a future where civilization is overrun by nature, much to the chagrin of the natives.

"[9] Music & Media described "(Nothing But) Flowers" as "a rhythmic but also surprisingly melodic song with striking vocal harmonies".

[10] David Byrne performed a briefer version of the song at the 2010 TED conference accompanied by Thomas Dolby on keyboard and the string quartet ETHEL.