The lyrics refer to drummer Victor "Moulty" Moulton's loss of his left hand, and the feelings of estrangement that followed.
[2] When Moulton formed the group in 1964, his disability added an unusual allure to the band's rebellious image that was, in part, responsible for their popularity after their appearance on The T.A.M.I.
[3] Moulton commenced recording of the song in early 1966 in New York City while the rest of the band was situated in Boston.
[4] The composition opens with Moulton melodramatically reflecting on the struggle of losing his left hand, while the backing vocalists encouraged "Moulty" to "Don't turn away".
Upon discovering the distribution of the song, Moulton was infuriated with president of Laurie Records, Robert Schwartz, reportedly quarreling with him, and destroying some copies of the single.