The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1985, where it remained for two weeks.
It was released as the band was just about to embark on a US tour opening for Tina Turner.
The song was co-written with lyricist John Lang, who was inspired by a book called "Broken Wings" written by Kahlil Gibran.
The song's hissing intro was an effect created by the sound of a crash cymbal played in reverse.
The song was released in September 1985 as the lead single from their second album Welcome to the Real World.