Although William Roberts copyrighted this song in 1962, there are some doubts whether he is the sole author. At first, royalties were paid to Dino Valenti (also known as Chester Powers or Jesse Oris Farrow). However, he then admitted he didn't write the song, after which Roberts began to receive the royalties. Niela Halleck (now Niela Miller), William Roberts' girlfriend in the 1950s, claims Roberts based it on a song of hers titled "Baby Please Don't Go to Town", using the chord progression and the question and answer format, but changing the words.