The song was very likely written during 1996, or at the latest at the beginning of 1997. Recording information is not given on any release but we know that, because of its near-inclusion on the "Maladjusted" album, it was recorded during the "Maladjusted" album session at Hook End Manor in January 1997, with producer Steve Lillywhite. Musicians on this recording were Martin aka Boz Boorer (guitars, clarinet), Alain Whyte (guitars, piano, backing vocals), Jonny Bridgwood (bass) and Spencer James Cobrin (drums).

single version {4:04}

• 12" and cd-single of "Alma Matters"

• "Rare Tracks", a Japanese cd-EP

• "Maladjusted" album, redesigned edition [remastered 2009]

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

This song has been performed 22 times by Morrissey, all on the 2000 half of the Oye Esteban tour. It was introduced into the set on the first date of that year and played on most remaining dates with the exception of a few towards the end.

There are no officially released live recordings of the song at this point in time.

No demos or studio outtakes of this song have leaked to the general public at this point in time.

Quotes

In the 2009 expanded and redesigned edition of the "Maladjusted" album, Morrissey said that this song "...is one of my favorite songs even though I'll admit it has no obvious intentions other than to tweak out the yelp of choice. We all live with frustrated will, and we're all enclosed in our own grief."