It is mostly an instrumental piece with occasional monologue and harmonica fills by Harpo.
[2] Although it had some success with rock audiences (reaching number 16 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart), "Baby Scratch My Back" was a number one hit in 1966 on the magazine's Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart.
[4] The backing has been described as "a laconic, loping beat with tremolo laden guitar, wood block maracas, and snapping snare drum sound".
[2] Several rock groups had recorded some of his songs, including the Rolling Stones ("I'm a King Bee") and the Kinks ("Got Love If You Want It").
Music writer Todd Everett noted "Harpo evidently figured that he had a future in rock and roll".