The song begins with strange effects and a backmasked voice (saying "welcome to the show") followed by a burst of morse code, before the song proper begins with a staccato keyboard part followed by drums and drum machines and guitar.

[2][3] The song and album were recorded in response to the backmasking controversy at the time, in which certain groups were claiming that rock artists were including hidden subliminal messages on their songs and albums.

[2] Music journalist John Van Der Kiste described the song as "Buggles-like pop.

"[3] Writer Barry Delve said that the "soft, laid-back vocal contrasts effectively with the brisk performance to create a suitably enigmatic opener [to the album].

[5] Parts of the music video featuring a radio telescope were filmed at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire, England.