The song utilises simplistic instrumentation – acoustic guitar, bass, drums, harmonica and vibraphone – but the structure is complex, ignoring the conventional verse-chorus pattern.

[4] Despite the song garnering comparisons to Scottish jangle pop bands Orange Juice and Aztec Camera, McAloon was influenced by the Beatles.

[5] Music journalist Stuart Maconie has described the track as "enigmatic, melancholy, tuneful and therefore perfect for a jobless literature graduate with girlfriend problems".

[8] After having no success with major labels, Prefab Sprout set up Candle Records (slogan: The Wax That Won't Get on Your Wick)[9] to release their first single, limited to 1000 copies.

[6] Speaking on Gary Crowley's weekly Capital Radio show The Magic Box, Elvis Costello named the single one of the best he had heard all year.