According to the liner notes of Echo & the Bunnymen's box set Crystal Days: 1979–1999 (2001), Ian McCulloch woke up one morning with the phrase "fate up against your will" in mind.

The arrangement of the song was partially inspired by balalaika music that Les Pattinson and Will Sergeant had heard in Russia.

The guitar solo had been recorded separately by Sergeant whilst tuning up and was inserted in the song at the suggestion of producer David Lord.

For the director's cut of the film in 2004, Richard Kelly was unable to secure the rights to "The Killing Moon" a second time, and instead substituted "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS.

Artists that have covered the song include notable versions by Pavement on their 1999 EP Major Leagues[14] and Chvrches in 2021.