Initially decided by the band to name their new single "Lights Out" or "Tell Me It's Not Over",[5] it was performed for the first time at the music in my head festival in Paard van Troje, Den Haag, Netherlands in June 2007 [6] and it was recorded between that year and March 2008.

Daily Music Guide describes the song as "one departure from the old favourites, the superb 'Tell Me It's Not Over', a forthcoming release from the eagerly anticipated new album" [7] and praised that "despite not breaking any new ground for the band, will no doubt appease their stock of devoted fans eagerly awaiting the albums release".

[9] Rich McLaughlin from The Alternate Side compares Starsailor's single with Joseph Arthur's "In the Sun".

Liz from Limelife wrote that: "the sadness, melancholy and mope are on full display here - and Starsailor works them to maximum indie rock effect".

She else added that: "the much-repeated refrain, "tell me it's not over," may stir up memories of crying on the bathroom floor, but isn't that what all good emo rock is supposed to do?".

[15] According to the site administrator of the Starsailor Official Message Board, Boo, Brandon Flowers did in fact record, informally with James, vocals on a version of the song.