A first version of this song was demoed at Powerhouse Studios in London in August 1987, in the interim between the end of the Smiths and the beginning of Morrissey's solo career. The lyrics on this early version are a rough draft of those that would appear in the definitive and now familiar version, but the music was written by Ivor Perry (who was considered at the time as a replacement for Johnny Marr) and is completely different.

The definitive version with music by Stephen Street was recorded a few months later (likely October) at Wool Hall Studios in Bath. Street also acted as producer as well as bassist. The other musicians on the recording were Vini Reilly (guitar) and Andrew Paresi (drums).

album version {3:56}

• "Viva Hate" album, original edition

• "Viva Hate" album, EMI Centenary edition

• "Viva Hate" album, redesigned edition [remastered 2012]

This song has never been performed specifically for radio, television or the web.

This song has never been done live.

alternate version {3:27}

Taken from a record company cd-r of a scrapped reissue of "Viva Hate", this has not yet leaked on bootlegs.