The song was based on a keyboard riff which Joey Tempest had written, as early as 1981 or 1982,[5] on a Korg Polysix keyboard which he had borrowed from keyboardist Mic Michaeli.[6][7] In 1985, bassist John Levén suggested that Tempest should write a song based on that riff.[5] Tempest recorded a demo version of the song and played it for the other band members.[8] At first, the members expressed mixed reactions to it, including guitarist John Norum who was put off by the synth intro but said that he was glad they didn't listen to him.[9] Tempest described their uncertainty: "Some of the guys in the band thought it was too different for a rock band. But in the end I fought hard to make sure it got used."[9]