It was released as the lead single from the band's third album, Waking Up with the House on Fire (1984), in September 1984.

The song became the group's seventh top-five hit on the UK Singles Chart.

Lead singer Boy George later stated on BBC3 that "most people are very ignorant politically and we're all told how glamorous war is.

[4] Cash Box said that "this strong anti-war statement is delivered with simple but effective words and a varied melody.

"[5] Billboard called it "an effervescent protest song, hard to disagree with.