One Step
Aretha Lyrics
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One step ahead of misery
One step is all I have to take
Backwards, to be the same old fool for you
I used to be
I'm only one step ahead of your arms
One kiss away from your sweet lips
I know I can't afford to stop for one moment
Your warm breath on my shoulder
Keeps reminding me
That it's too soon to forget you
It's too late to be free, can't you see?
I'm only one step ahead of your love
I try and yet I can't take two
Seems like I'll have to take that one step backwards
'Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you.
'Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you.
Just one step ahead is a step too far away from you.
The lyrics to Aretha Franklin's song One Step Ahead speak about the feeling of being desperately in love with someone who doesn’t reciprocate the same feelings. The singer of the song is aware of the pain and heartbreak that the love they feel is heading towards. They acknowledge that they are only one step ahead of heartbreak and misery, indicating that they are barely holding on to their emotions while trying to avoid a larger downfall.
The song is soaked in desperation as the singer knows that they cannot stop for a single moment and need to keep moving ahead, even if it's just one step at a time. They explain that they are only one step ahead of their love interest and how they feel powerless and a fool for love. The singer seems to know that continuing to pursue the love of their life will only lead to further heartbreak and disappointment, yet they cannot seem to stop themselves from trying.
Aretha Franklin's powerful voice conveys the emotion behind the lyrics, making it a poignant and relatable song. It is a classic example of the type of music that makes you feel deeply, and it is no surprise why this song continues to be popular even today.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm only one step ahead of heartbreak
I'm barely able to avoid heartbreak and its accompanying pain.
One step ahead of misery
I'm only slightly avoiding experiencing tremendous pain and sadness.
One step is all I have to take
I'm dangerously close to falling back into the same emotional state as before.
Backwards, to be the same old fool for you
I will be returning to my old behavior of being foolish for you if I take that step backwards.
I'm only one step ahead of your arms
I'm barely avoiding being swept into your embrace.
One kiss away from your sweet lips
All it would take is one kiss to fall into your trap.
I know I can't afford to stop for one moment
I can't afford to let my guard down for even a second.
'Cause I'm just out of reach of your fingertips
I'm far enough away from you to be safe, but just barely.
Your warm breath on my shoulder
Your breath on my shoulder reminds me of how close you are to me.
Keeps reminding me
It constantly makes me aware of my vulnerability.
That it's too soon to forget you
I'm not ready to let go of you yet.
It's too late to be free, can't you see?
I'm in too deep to escape now.
I'm only one step ahead of your love
I'm barely avoiding falling deeper in love with you.
I try and yet I can't take two
I'm fighting to stay away from you, but I can't resist your pull.
Seems like I'll have to take that one step backwards
It looks like I'm going to have to backtrack and fall into your trap again.
'Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you.
I can't afford to be too far away from you or I'll lose you completely.
Just one step ahead is a step too far away from you.
Being just one step ahead of you still makes me feel too far away from you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES SINGLETON, EDDIE SNYDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amorzz100
I'm only one step ahead of heartbreak
One step ahead of misery
One step is all I have to take backwards
To be the same old fool for you, I used to be
I'm only one step ahead of your arms
One kiss away from your sweet lips
I know I can't afford to stop for one moment
'Cause I'm just out of reach of your fingertips
Your warm breath on my shoulder
Keeps reminding me
That it's too soon to forget you
It's too late to be free, can't you see?
I'm only one step ahead of your love
I try, and yet I can't take two
Seems like I'll have to take that one step backwards
'Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you
'Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you
Just one step ahead is a step too far away from you
@taino20
lyrics:
I'm only one step ahead of heartbreak
One step ahead of misery
One step is all I have to take
Backwards to be the same old fool for you I used to be
I'm only one step ahead of your arms
One kiss away from your sweet lips
I know I can't afford to stop for one moment
Cause I'm just out of reach of your fingertips
Your warm breath on my shoulder
Keeps reminding me
That it's too soon to forget you
It's too late to be free, can't you see?
I'm only one step, ahead of your love
I try and yet I can't take two
Seems like I'll have to take that one step backwards
Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you
Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you
Just one step ahead is a step too far away from you
@Pantherblack
When a hot sample inspires so many to search for the classic, I feel that something has gone right in humanity.
@scottyrob82
Not really. It inspires people to listen to classics and breathes new life into these songs. One of my best friends who loved hi hop started looking up songs that were sampled and now loves doo wop and old school music.
@blackscreen1764
***** lol that happened to me as well.
@chylataylor6367
my thoughts exactly!!! Love it
@cornbreadfed7905
Stephen Suggs well stated
@scottyrob82
***** I would've never discovered Ahmad Jamal if it wasn't for Stakes is High. He's simply a genius with his music.
@kindell1
One of the most sampled artists in history. Aretha's voice gives your songs soul and flavor
@MrDaggash1
Beautiful voice, beautiful song, beautiful lyrics, beautiful woman. Beauty all over.
@boydoll3934
So right, on all points.
@jbarrier3506
Aminu Yakubu Couldnt have said it any better