The flip side of the single was "Fortune Teller", made famous by The Rolling Stones cover among others.

Toussaint explained the song's origin in an interview with journalist Terry Gross of National Public Radio: "Well, 'Lipstick Traces'...the guy, Benny Spellman, that sang the bass part on "Mother-In-Law" - he didn't know what it was worth at the time we were doing it, but when "Mother-In-Law" came out and sold, and went to number one, let's say, Benny Spellman that sang the bass part made sure that everyone within the sound of his voice got to know that he sang that part.

Ringo Starr's cover, from his 1978 album Bad Boy, was released as a US single (backed with "Old Time Relovin'") on April 18 1978.

[nb 1][6][7] Other artists who have covered the song include Amazing Rhythm Aces, Donel Austin, The Beautiful South, Alex Chilton, Snooks Eaglin, Frankie Ford and Delbert McClinton.

[9] The song was the basis for the main title of Greil Marcus' book Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the 20th Century.