The song, released on 4 February 2008, was used to promote his latest Greatest Hits album.

The song was composed by long-time Morrissey guitarist and musical director Boz Boorer - his first composition to be released as a single since "Satan Rejected My Soul" from the album Maladjusted (1997).

The song made its television debut on Late Show with David Letterman, and received its first radio play on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show on 17 December.

Prior to release, it featured on the BBC Radio 2 A-list, receiving around 20 plays per week.

On 10 February 2008, "That's How People Grow Up" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 14.