The song "Pulling Mussels" was written by band members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook.

[5] Tilbrook has stated that "The end part of the chorus has an unusual turnaround, and that’s the culmination of hearing White Punks on Dope, which is quite grandiose.

Rob Sachs interviewed Difford and wrote that the song "is about a memory he has from his time spent at a British holiday camp in, a budget resort type of place that includes basic accommodations, entertainment, and other facilities.

[9] According to critic Chris Woodstra, it is an "observation of the British working class" and "offers a series of detailed snapshots of the different walks of life on a seaside holiday in Leysdown-on-Sea.

The lines "They do it down on Camber Sands / They do it at Waikiki" refer to a dune system in East Sussex, England, and the Honolulu, Hawaii beach, respectively.

[11] The phrase "pulling mussels" was created by Difford and refers to the use of fingers to stimulate the female sexual organs.

"[19] Record World called it a "challenging yet totally consumable pop-rock [tune]...with stunning guitar/keyboard breaks.

[22] Though the song did not chart in the United States, it became a hit on the country's college radio stations and in new wave clubs.