The song is in antiphonal style, with Mike Smith singing a solo line and the whole group responding.

Additionally, some of the song's unique percussion was supplied by builder’s scaffold boards, which two of the band members (reportedly quite intoxicated)[according to whom?]

Robert Christgau, writing in 1969, called the song "a wonderfully serviceable rock throwaway, raucous and meaningless, perfect for shouting into the night.

"[7] Cash Box described it as "a hard-hitting rocker that the boys pound out in a steady, heavy beat style.

[specify] The Dave Clark Five performed "Bits and Pieces" in an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.