My Chemical Romance had first supported
the Used during a concert in November 2002, and the two bands subsequently began touring together in February 2003. During this time, the frontmen of the two bands,
Gerard Way and
Bert McCracken, quickly formed a close friendship; Way additionally noted how he embraced
method acting while recording the song, performing in an attic while "[not] wearing very many clothes" and playing
pornography in the room. "You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison" was released on June 8, 2004, as the fourth track on
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. A live recording of the track was subsequently included on the 2006 live album
Life on the Murder Scene,'''' and the song appeared on the band's 2014 greatest hits album
May Death Never Stop You despite never having been released as a single. Additionally, a remastered version of the track, produced by
Rich Costey, appeared on the deluxe edition of
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, alongside a 2005 live recording from
BBC Radio 1's The Lock Up. "You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison" was also a live staple for the band prior to the release of their album
Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, being deemed a "live favorite" for both My Chemical Romance and their fans. My Chemical Romance has included it in the setlists of their 2004
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas performance (accompanied by McCracken), the 2005
Warped Tour, the 2007–2008
Black Parade World Tour, and
their 2019–2023 reunion tour (featuring Sara Taylor of
Youth Code during their first show in 2019). On April 11, 2025, the song was
certified gold by the
Recording Industry Association of America. == Composition and lyrics ==