One of the great songs of the early 1980s, “Steppin’ Out” is English singer-songwriter Joe Jackson‘s biggest hit. The song is a wonderful mix of electronic and traditional instruments, and it blends a classic pop sound with the New Wave sound of the time.
On the surface, the song is about a guy convincing his girlfriend (or maybe just a girl he met) to go out driving around the city with him. But a deeper dive on the lyrics hints at fear of growing older, wanting to escape from the real world and disappear into the night, or maybe just running off together to see what the future holds.
Fun fact: Jackson played all the instruments during the recording of this song, except for the drums.
It’s always been a favorite of mine. Here is the official music video and lyrics (all credit to Joe Jackson):
Now –
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the colour of the lights that shine
Electricity so fine
Look and dry your eyes
We –
So tired of all the darkness in our lives
With no more angry words to say
Can come alive
Get into a car and drive
To the other side
Me babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
We –
Are young but getting old before our time
We’ll leave the T.V. and the radio behind
Don’t you wonder what we’ll find
Steppin out tonight
You –
Can dress in pink and blue just like a child
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
We’ll be there in just a while
If you follow me
Me babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
Let me know what you think of the song.
RB
Great new wave classic and superb pick
Thanks, mate!
Oh I haven’t heard that for ages! Never really thought about the message it carried before….
Glad to know I could remind you of this ‘golden oldie’, Dawn. 🙂
💞
It has been many moons since I heard this song. I enjoyed the step back in time and the message.
I was thumbing through my record collection and found this hidden in there…forgotten to me, as well!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, MM. 🙂
I loved the song and your observations!
Thanks so much, Luisa! And thank you for stopping by. 🙂
You’re more than welcome!
Enjoyed both the song and lyrics, Richard.
Thanks, Pat! I appreciate it!
A fave of mine and I’ve seen him in concert a couple of times.
Glad to know I picked a good one, Sheree! I’m jealous that you had the chance to see him perform.
😎
I am so very impressed by people who can plan an instrument, let alone more than one!
But piano/keyboard has always my dream. I’d often imagine myself walking into a fancy restaurant with a piano bar, sit behind it and play which ever song people request.
But…unless it is “twinkle twinkle little star” played with one hand, this will never happen 🤭
I like the song and the video, thanks for sharing! It’s very 80’s.
And the meaning behind the lyrics definitely resonate with me. Don’t we all just want that every now and then! 😄
Glad you enjoyed this, Andrea.
I feel the same way…both impressed and a bit jealous of people who are multi-instrumentalists.
And I bet your version of Twinkle Twinkle would ROCK! 🤣