This song was first released in 1983 by the Italian composer and singer Raf (Raffaele Riefoli), who wrote it with Giancarlo Bigazzi and Steve Piccolo. His version was a low-tempo ballad with disco-techno-pop features, and was an early use of synthesizers. Branigan is known for her 1982 hit "Gloria," which is also based on an Italian pop song.
The song is about a girl whose life is dedicated to her exciting nightlife, where she tends to lose control. "Self Control" peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, no. 4 on the Hot 100 and no. 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
