Watch Your Step
Brenda Kahn Lyrics
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Don't say a word, I'm not even listening
I read in the paper about their escape
They're just two bits of kids from a bunch of sour grapes
You better watch your step
Watch who's knocking on your front door
Now you know that they're watching what are you waiting for?
Get out before they get to watch your step
Every day is full of fun and family spies
They're making heroes out of fall guys
They say it's good for business from Singapore to Widnes
You better watch your step
Broken noses hung up on the wall
Back slapping drinkers cheer the heavyweight brawl
So punch drunk they don't understand at all
You better watch your step
Every night go out full of carnival desires
End up in the closing time choirs
When you're kicking in the car chrome
And you're drinking down the Eau de Cologne
And you're spitting out the Kodachrome
You better watch your step
Bye, I send you all my regards
You're so tough, you're so hard
Listen to the hammers falling in the breaker's yard
You better watch your step
You better watch your step
Ooh, watch your step
In Brenda Kahn's song Watch Your Step, the artist urges listeners to tread carefully in a world that seems to be constantly watching them. The song opens with a warning not to say anything, as if the very act of speaking may land the singer in danger or trouble. Kahn then describes reading about someone's escape in the newspaper, lamenting how those individuals are simply deemed as "kids from a bunch of sour grapes." This phrase seems to suggest that these young people's actions are born out of a sense of hopelessness or resentment. The chorus, "You better watch your step," reinforces the warning tone of the song.
The second verse urges listeners to be cautious about who visits them at home, as "they're watching what are you waiting for?" The person or group being referred to is not specified, but it is clear that the surveillance is pervasive and that the listener is not safe. The lines "Every day is full of fun and family spies / They're making heroes out of fall guys" suggest that betrayal can happen even within familial circles, and the media often praises those who betray others. The next lines describe a scene of violence, with "broken noses hung up on the wall" and "back slapping drinkers" cheering on a "heavyweight brawl." Despite the excitement and spectacle of such events, Kahn warns that those who partake are "punch drunk" and unable to recognize the danger they are in.
The final verse describes a night out that starts with "carnival desires" but ends with the singer "spitting out the Kodachrome," perhaps a reference to the fleeting nature of joy or happiness. The song ends with Kahn bidding farewell, acknowledging that the world is tough and hard, and that the listener must be careful. The final phrase, "Listen to the hammers falling in the breaker's yard," evokes an image of destruction and violence, emphasizing the urgency of the song's message.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't say a word, don't say anything
Remain silent, no need to speak
Don't say a word, I'm not even listening
I'm not interested in hearing what you have to say
I read in the paper about their escape
I saw news about their escape in the paper
They're just two bits of kids from a bunch of sour grapes
They are just a couple of kids from an inferior group
You better watch your step
Be careful of your actions
Watch who's knocking on your front door
Be aware of who is at your doorstep
Now you know that they're watching what are you waiting for?
You are aware that someone is keeping an eye on you, so be proactive
Think you're young and original
You might feel like you are unique and novel
Get out before they get to watch your step
Leave before they can catch you making a mistake
Every day is full of fun and family spies
Your life is filled with enjoyable moments and people who spy on you
They're making heroes out of fall guys
They are turning weak people into heroes
They say it's good for business from Singapore to Widnes
They believe it's beneficial for business all over the world
Broken noses hung up on the wall
Bruised and battered faces displayed like trophies
Back slapping drinkers cheer the heavyweight brawl
People cheering on a physical altercation while drinking
So punch drunk they don't understand at all
Intoxicated to the point of not comprehending their actions
Every night go out full of carnival desires
Every night going out with the intention of indulging in a raucous time
End up in the closing time choirs
The night ends with songs sung at the closing of the establishment
When you're kicking in the car chrome
Kicking at the car's shine
And you're drinking down the Eau de Cologne
Drinking heavily
And you're spitting out the Kodachrome
Vomiting due to excessive drinking
You better watch your step
Be mindful of your behavior
Bye, I send you all my regards
Farewell, I bid you good wishes
You're so tough, you're so hard
You present yourself as strong and unbreakable
Listen to the hammers falling in the breaker's yard
Hear the crushing noise of metal being destroyed
You better watch your step
Be cautious in your actions
You better watch your step
Be mindful of your behavior
Ooh, watch your step
Be careful not to make any missteps
Contributed by Caroline T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.