Today in 1979, "Accidents Will Happen" was released as the second single from Elvis Costello & The Attractions’ album, Armed Forces.
Costello has said the he wrote the song about his many infidelities during this period of his career:
"Back in '78, I was young and newly famous, and I didn't have any sense of responsibility. Temptation came along, and I gave in to it more than I should have. That's what this song is really about."
He said that the song had been inspired by the Burt Bacharach—Hal David song "Anyone Who Had a Heart". He also cited musically that the Left Banke's "Walk Away Renée" was as well.
In a humorous reference to the song title, the cover of the single was printed inside-out.
