The song is characterized by a "bluesy swing" and heavy guitar riffs, often compared to the style of ZZ Top. : It was produced by Roger Glover of Deep Purple.
: It performed significantly better in other regions, peaking at number 4 in Switzerland and number 7 in Austria. Nazareth Shanghai'd in Shanghai with Lyrics in Description Nazareth - Shanghai'd In Shanghai
The lyrics are described as a "stream of consciousness" mix of rock-and-roll touring life and spy-thriller imagery. They recount misadventures across various global locations, including: : Where the narrator is "shady" and left groggy. The song is characterized by a "bluesy swing"