Songfacts®:

• In our 2013 interview with lead singer Jon Fratelli, we asked him if the titular Moriarty referred to Sherlock Holmes' arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty or Dean Moriarty, a central character in Jack Kerouac's 1957 semi-autobiographical novel On the Road. His reply: "I've forgotten... probably Dean Moriarty, which is funny as I'm not a fan of that book!"
• The parallels in the lyrics certainly suggest that Fratelli, along with other songwriters like Bob Dylan and Al Stewart, was influenced by Kerouac and his most famous novel. The book focuses on the hedonistic adventures of a group of friends and their sexual conquests. The song seemingly echoes the book's bisexual themes, particularly when the persona tells a girl that she "makes me want to gnaw on a bone and my jaw is in very much need of attention," which serves as innuendo for fellatio. Likewise the song makes reference to parties and subsequent disillusionment, other major themes of the novel.
• This appears as a track on the deluxe edition of the band's second album, which turned out to be their last before a 5-year break. Jon Fratelli says that the challenges of constant touring took their toll on the band, leading to a breakup.
• Moriarty's is also the name of a bar in Jon Fratelli's hometown of Cumbernauld.