Biographer Ian Johnston claimed that Deanna was a woman Nick Cave had recently had a "passionate, intense relationship with".[6] Cave later said the song is "seen as a particularly brutal act of betrayal, and thirty years on I still haven’t been fully forgiven. I console myself with the thought that I was unflinching in my duties as a songwriter, even though it broke a heart (or two) in the process."[7]
Recording
Initial recording was done at Vielklang Studios, near the Berlin Wall. Producer Tony Cohen said, ""Deanna" was a loose idea Nick had for a song. He fiddled around with a Hammond organ while Mick hit a floor tom. It wasn't meant for the record. Drums were recorded over the top and the track grew."[8]
"The Girl at the Bottom of My Glass"
The B-side of "Deanna" is "The Girl at the Bottom of My Glass", recorded for but not released on Tender Prey.[9] It remained unreleased on an album until 2005, with the release of B-Sides & Rarities.
Reception
AllMusic called the song, "a garage rock-style rave-up that lyrically is everything Natural Born Killers tried to be, but failed at -- killing sprees, Cadillacs, and carrying out the work of the Lord, however atypically".[10]Stereogum noted, "the irresistible, danceable sway of the organ and drumbeat distract - if only momentarily - from such lines as 'I cum a death’s head into your frock'".[11]
The Quietus wrote, "The rousing garage pop of "Deanna" would quickly become one of Cave's best-known songs (it was almost 'radio friendly') and a live favourite. The track was based on a version of Edwin Hawkins' "Oh Happy Day". The lyrics were particularly memorable."[12]
