It was first released on Smith's 1975 album Horses, with band members Richard Sohl and Lenny Kaye credited as co-writers.
The lyrics were originally published as a poem in Smith's 1972 book kodak under the title "Radando Beach".
The lyrics relate the suicide by drowning of a young woman following an argument with the song's narrator.
It has frequently been interpreted as a lesbian-themed song; Smith appeared to encourage this interpretation in her live performances, often introducing the song with "Redondo Beach is a beach where women love other women".
[2][1] The song was part of Morrissey's live set list throughout his December 2004 arena tour.