Glenn A. Baker of Billboard magazine described the song's chart success as "the most unexpected and honestly surprising breakout in the Australian market for many years."

[1] In the United States, the single was released in January 1993;[2] seven years later, in March 2000, it was re-serviced to hot and modern adult contemporary radio under the title "(Lover) You Don't Treat Me No Good".

[3] Joe Rassenfoss of the Rocky Mountain News, in his review of the album, called the song a "catchy vocal entreaty.

[5] After spending six weeks at the number-two position behind Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You", the song reached its peak of number one on February 28, 1993.

[22] The song is in the key of G Major, at a moderate tempo, based around a two-measure riff played on acoustic guitar.

No full chords are played in the song, although the second measure of the riff includes an open fifth consisting of C and G.[23] Writing for the CMT blog, Whitney Self said that Niemann "gives the tune a new feel with his contagious beats and acoustic guitar.

[25] Potsy Ponciroli directed the music video, which features Niemann playing guitar while singing the song on a porch.