In late 1964, Irish-born guitarist John "Sean" Byrne was sitting in a Health Education class in his freshman year at San Jose City College in California, learning about psychosis and neurosis. His friend Ron Lamb leaned over and whispered: "You know what would be a great name for a song? "Psychotic Reaction!"" Byrne had been writing a tune in his head that day, and used the title to finish it, with the entire band given writing credit. The lyrics describe romantic longing and unrequited love: "I can't get your love, can't get a fraction / Uh-oh little girl, psychotic reaction."