The song was released as a single from the band's third and final studio album, Special Beat Service, finding moderate chart success in the UK.

Inspired by the romantic escapades of English tabloids and Wakeling's own personal relationships, the song featured a piano performance led by touring keyboardist Dave "Blockhead" Wright.

Lyrically, "I Confess" was a mix of Beat frontman Dave Wakeling's personal experiences and sensationalized stories that he had read in magazines.

[2] Wakeling then connected his "own tawdry tales of young love" with a tabloid story about a man who "had been caught having sex with his new bride's sister on their wedding day".

[1] Musically, the song had originated from a riff composed by Beat touring keyboardist Dave "Blockhead" Wright.

Mason said of the track, "It's actually a startlingly well-constructed song, as well as one of the group's most unforgettable singles", while fellow AllMusic writer Jo-Ann Greene praised its "Joe Jackson-esque piano line".

[7] Wakeling had previously named Costello's "Secondary Modern" as one of his all-time top ten favorite songs.

We were like, 'Y'know, everybody goes through a phase of trying on their mum's clothes, and a little bit of makeup when she's out, but the idea is to get them back in the wardrobe and get your face washed before she gets home.