"Life Of Surprises" Was Described As Being In A "philosophical Vein Behind The Up-And-Running Light Soul Sounds" By Q Reviewer Phil Sutcliffe. "Life Of Surprises" Was Not Part Of The Original 1985 Running Order Of Protest Songs It Dates From The Demo Sessions In Lynx Studios For From Langley Park To Memphis In Late 1986. This Recording Was First Released As A B-Side On The Single Of "Nightingales" Before Its Inclusion On Protest Songs. In His Review Of Protest Songs Stuart Maconie Considered The Song To Be A Potential Hit Single. Maconie Was Proven Right In 1992 When The Song Gave Its Name To Prefab Sprout's First Best Of Collection A Life Of Surprises The Best Of Prefab Sprout And Was Released As A Single To Promote It. "Life Of Surprises" Became One Of The Band's Greatest Successes On The UK Singles Chart Peaking At Number 24.