This song was very likely written in the first half of 2007. It is credited as having been recorded at Sonic Sound in Houston whilst on tour, so that would be at the end of May 2007. Producer is Jerry Finn and musicians are Boz Boorer (guitars), Jesse Tobias (guitars), Solomon Walker (bass), Matt Walker (drums) and Michael Farrell (keyboards), with a special appearance of Kristeen Young on backing vocals.

single / album version {2:59}

• "That's How People Grow Up" single, all formats

• "Greatest Hits" album

• "Years Of Refusal" album

Late Show With David Letterman 29 June 2007 [tv]

This is circulated on bootleg video and the audio can be found in digital format on the internet.

Last Call with Carson Daly 7 January 2008 [tv]

This is circulated on bootleg video and the audio can be found in digital format on the internet.

Friday Night With Jonathan Ross 1 February 2008 [tv]

This is circulated on bootleg video and the audio can be found in digital format on the internet.

Later With Jools Holland 8 February 2008 [tv] {2:59}

This 4-song performance (also including "Something Is Squeezing My Skull", "All You Need Is Me" and "The Last Of The Famous International Playboys") is circulated on bootleg video. The audio can be found in digital format on the internet.

This song has been done in concert 66 times by Morrissey. It was first played in front of a live audience in Houston at the end of May 2007 on the Greatest Hits tour. It would end up being played to a majority of audiences thereafter on that tour, 53 times in total. A further 10 performances of the song were scattered here and there whilst on the 2009 Tour Of Refusal. It returned to Morrissey's sets three times early on the ill-fated 2014 tour which was cancelled after only 17 dates.

live Hollywood Bowl 8 June 2007 {3:10(download) / 3:04(cd)}

• official download at the time of release of the "That's How People Grow Up" single

• USA limited edition of the "Greatest Hits" album

live Las Vegas 9 June 2007 {3:09}

• official download at the time of release of the "That's How People Grow Up" single

• deluxe digital edition of the "Greatest Hits" album (iTunes USA only)

live London Roundhouse 22 January 2008 {3:10}

• official download at the time of release of the "That's How People Grow Up" single

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

Quotes

In a 2007 Q&A having appeared on the True To You website, Morrissey said "I'm less inclined towards notes these days, and have just finished two new songs which flooded out without any consultation to any scribbled ideas. This happens more and more, notably 'That's How People Grow Up', for instance, just fell out. I'm not sure if they're actually even songs, or simply outbursts or showers of panic. Generally, there's a central vocal hook, most typically the chorus, which comes first, and if it doesn't then there's no song. My aim, mostly, is to have every moment of the song as a vocal hook... that's the hope, anyway."