The lyrics began with the man's point of view, relating the bitter tirade of his cheated-on lover. It was set to a grinding tune inspired by Jimi Hendrix's recording of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower". Poet and writer Heathcote Williams had originally conceived the lyrics as a piece for Tina Turner to record, but Faithfull succeeded in convincing him that Turner would never record such a number.
The poem began with the man's viewpoint, detailing his scorned lover's furious rant. It was set to a powerful rhythm inspired by Jimi Hendrix's rendition of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower". Poet and writer Heathcote Williams initially conceived the lyrics as a song for Tina Turner to perform, but Faithfull convinced him that Turner would never record such a song.