The song tells a story about a rock and roller whose guitar is shipped to Oriole, Kentucky,[4] instead of Memphis, Tennessee.

The loss of Ralphs's guitar is also mentioned in the lyrics of the single's B-side, "Ballad of Mott the Hoople (26th March 1972, Zürich)".

"[8] Cash Box said that "from great opening piano licks, a la Leon Russell to super sax fade, this one is a driver all the way home.

The British rock band Thunder also performed a live version appearing on multiple compilation albums.

The British punk band Abdoujaparov covered the track on their 2002 album Air Odeon Disco Pub.