Although Bricusse and Newley shared songwriting credits, the words of the song are usually attributed to Bricusse, with the music by Newley. The song was first performed in public by Guyanese-British singer and actor Cy Grant on the opening night of The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham on 3 August 1964.
Bricusse and Newley shared credit for the songwriting, but Bricusse's words are generally recognized as the primary creative contribution, with Newley's music serving as the accompaniment. The song was first performed by Guyanese-British singer and actor Cy Grant at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham on 3 August 1964.