Maddux's arrangement gives that hook directly to the chorus, who deployed it with metronomic precision and a knowing wink. Underneath, the harmonic motion stayed close to the original's bright Scandinavian pop, with sparkling block chords on the chorus and warmer, more conversational support on the verses.

Shirley's arrangement is structured like a story. The opening verses sit close to the original — solo voice, sparse chordal support, harmonica figures suggested by the chorus rather than imitated. As the cast of characters in the lyric expands (the businessman, the waitress, the old man at the bar), Shirley gradually opens the texture, layering ensemble voices in to give each barfly their own musical color.