The song was written by lead singer/guitarist Martin Phillipps, and features a line-up of Phillipps, Terry Moore (bass, backing vocals, percussion), and Martyn Bull (drums, percussion).

The song was recorded on 29 May 1982 at The Lab Studios in Auckland and mixed in January 1984 at Auckland's Progressive Studios by Terry King, Doug Hood, Chris Knox, and band members Moore and Phillipps.

All of the proceeds made from the single's sales were donated to Cancer Research.

The song is considered important to the Dunedin sound style[5] and features a solid drum rhythm over which bass and a high guitar form complementary lead lines.

Phillipps' vocals — telling a gothic tale of a lover accidentally killing his partner in his sleep — float above this rolling string pattern.