However, urban rhythm and blues radio stations in the North began airing the song and built it into a national hit.

As a result, Guitar Slim became in great demand as a performer and played at venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York City.

The single was one of the biggest hits in Specialty's history and stayed on the Billboard's Rhythm and Blues Records charts for 42 weeks.

[2] Charles' arrangement and piano accompaniment emphasize the religious tone of intense but philosophical regret in the singer's voice, giving the song a gospel-influenced feel.

Like Fats Domino, Guitar Slim had a voice with a less adult sound than that of the typical blues shouters of the time, and his lyrics are less explicitly sexual.