Written by Bobby Bloom, Ritchie Cordell, Bo Gentry, and Tommy James, the song has appeared in various film and television works such as the Oliver Stone drama Heaven & Earth.

Idol recorded a live version in 1985 which was ultimately released in 1987 where it became an even bigger hit than the Shondells' 1968 original, reaching No.

A music video was made featuring the band performing the song amidst psychedelic backgrounds.

[7] British rock musician Billy Idol released a cover version in 1981 (on the Don't Stop EP).

[22] In his 2015 memoir, Dancing with Myself, he recalls his affection for the song originally stemmed from a sexual encounter he had as a youth where it played in the background.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100, coincidentally displacing Tiffany's cover of another Tommy James song, "I Think We're Alone Now", from the top spot.

When the song was performed live in concert or played at a club or dance, people would shout a certain formulaic (and usually obscene) variation of a particular phrase in the two measures following each line, for example, "Hey, say what… get laid get fucked!"

"[25] This led to the song being banned at high-school dances across North America,[26] although the custom continues at Idol concerts and sporting events today.[when?

The full studio version is on Idol's Greatest Hits compilation album, a 2001 Capitol Records release.

That album has received positive critical reviews,[citation needed] with Idol's cover of the James tune specifically praised.