One of the few singles off of Eat to the Beat, “Union City Blue” was written by Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry and bassist Nigel Harrison. A purely new-wave track, it’s much slower and sweeping than other songs on the album, showing the diversity of the music on the LP.

Inspired by Union City, a film Harry had starred in, she reportedly wrote the song while on breaks during the filming process. Similar to her 1981 track “Polyester,” her contract kept her from performing music for Union’s soundtrack, leading to it being given to their fourth album instead.

Along with the film’s influences, Harry also drew inspiration from when she lived in Union City, New Jersey, before the birth of Blondie. She had even acted as a go-go dancer before her big break, giving a new meaning to the use of “passion” on the single.

The musical component of the song was described as Harry to be “one of Nigel’s English drinking songs.” Drummer Clem Burke said the song reflected Blondie’s New York origins, while simultaneously said the song was a favorite to perform: “I definitely enjoy playing that.”

He wasn’t the only one who enjoyed it; “Union” would peak at number nineteen on the UK charts by late 1979. Though it was never released as a single in the United States, it still remained one of the most popular tracks off the album.