"Christine" marked a change in musical direction for the band, with new guitarist John McGeoch.

The song begins with a distinctive riff played on an acoustic guitar.

The lyrics were inspired by the book The Three Faces of Eve which related the story of Christine Sizemore, a woman who reportedly had 22 different personalities.

Bassist Steven Severin stated in the liner notes for Downside Up: "Again a companion piece to the A side 'Christine'.

[4] The song was covered by Red Hot Chili Peppers with John Frusciante on guitar at their V2001 Festival performance,[5] and by Simple Minds on the deluxe edition of their Graffiti Soul album in 2009.