Stepping Stone
Black Velvet Flag Lyrics
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I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone.
You're trying to make your mark in society,
You're using all the tricks that you used on me,
You're reading all them high-fashion magazines,
The clothes you're wearing, girl, they're causing public scenes.
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone. (No!)
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
When I first met you, girl, you didn't have no shoes,
But, now you're walking around like you're front page news,
You've been awful careful 'bout the friends you choose,
But, you won't find my name in your book of "Who's Who".
I said, I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone, (No, girl, not me!)
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone. (No!)
Not your steppin' stone,
I'm not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
No, girl, I'm not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
The Black Velvet Flag's song "Stepping Stone" is a song about someone who has been used and mistreated in a relationship. The person being sung about is no longer willing to put up with the way they have been treated and is standing up against it. The repeated line "I'm not your steppin' stone" is a clear statement of this person's refusal to be used and unappreciated any longer.
The first verse accuses the other person of trying to make their mark in society and using tricks to do so. The singer has already been through this and knows what the other person is doing. This person is also described as trying to be fashionable with their clothing choices, but in doing so, they are causing a scene. The singer's refusal is made clear through the "No!" at the end of the verse.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on how the other person has changed since they first met. The person used to not even have shoes, but now they walk around like they are famous. They are also very particular about their friends, but the singer knows they will never be included. The theme of the song is repeated throughout the second verse and chorus, emphasizing the singer's refusal to be used as a tool to get ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone,
I refuse to be used by you as a means to achieve your goals or ambitions.
You're trying to make your mark in society,
You're attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people and institutions around you.
You're using all the tricks that you used on me,
You're employing the same deceitful tactics with others that you used with me.
You're reading all them high-fashion magazines,
You're consuming mass media that reinforces societal norms of beauty and fashion.
The clothes you're wearing, girl, they're causing public scenes.
Your clothing choices are attracting attention and causing a disturbance in public spaces.
Not your steppin' stone,
I will not allow myself to be manipulated and exploited by you.
When I first met you, girl, you didn't have no shoes,
When we first met, you lacked material possessions and appeared less concerned with societal expectations.
But, now you're walking around like you're front page news,
You've become more concerned with appearances and projecting an image of success and status to others.
You've been awful careful 'bout the friends you choose,
You've been strategic in selecting acquaintances who can further your own interests.
But, you won't find my name in your book of "Who's Who".
Despite your efforts to network and gain societal influence, I refuse to be associated with you in that way.
No, girl, I'm not your steppin' stone,
I am not your pawn or tool for achieving your own agenda.
Not your steppin' stone,
I will not be used by you to advance your own interests.
Not your steppin' stone,
I refuse to let you manipulate me in any way.
Not your steppin' stone,
I am not your means to an end.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER JOSEPH HOOTON, STEPHEN GEDDES GRIMES, KEITH ROGER MULLIN, CARL JAMES HUNTER, TOMMY BOYCE, BOBBY HART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind