From their debut album, Love, Life, and Pain, which showed up in 1986, they scored four consecutive hits: "Jealousy" (essentially a rewrite of and response to Timex Social Club's hit "Rumours"), "Situation #9", a remake of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me", and "Why You Treat Me So Bad". The latter two both made it to #2 on the R&B charts the next year, with "Lean On Me" becoming a huge pop hit.
Foster and McElroy soon left to form their own group and focus on producing other acts, and Pratter eventually left as well. The replacements were David Agent and Kevin Irving. The group's next albums - beginning with Listen To The Message - were laced with an evolving social consciousness, though they weren't as successful commercially as the debut. Notable recordings include a dancehall-influenced version of the gospel classic "Oh Happy Day" from the album A New Beginning.
Albums
Life, Love and Pain (1986) #2 R&B, #6 Pop
Listen To The Message (1988) #44 R&B, #98 Pop
Under A Nouveau Groove (1989) #39 R&B
A New Beginning (1992) #80 R&B
Singles
"Jealousy" (1986) #8 R&B
"Situation #9" (1986) #4 R&B
"Lean On Me" (1987) #1 Pop, #2 R&B
"Why You Treat Me So Bad" (1987) #39 Pop, #2 R&B
"Heavy On My Mind" (1988) #42 R&B
"No Friend Of Mine" (1989) #12 R&B
"Oh Happy Day" (1992) #45 R&B
STEP BY STEP
Club Nouveau Lyrics
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But it seems to keep following me
I get up and move on the double
Look at my face and what you see?
You might say that I'm a little crazy
But I'm just being me
You know that I ain't got no worries
And I'm taking it
Step by step, step by step
Step by step, step by step
You gotta take it, step by step
Step by step, step by step
Take my life by the hand and grab it
Gonna do what I wanna do
I ain't taking me no stuff from nothing
You'll be alone 'cause I'm being cool
You may say that I'm a little bossy
But I'm just being me
You know that I ain't got no worries
This is my life and I'm finally free
And I'm taking it
Step by step, step by step
Step by step, step by step
You gotta take it, step by step
Step by step, step by step
I'm not lookin' for trouble
But it seems to keep following me
I get up and move on the double
Look at my face and what you see?
You might say that I'm a little crazy
But I'm just being me
You know that I ain't got no worries
This is my life and I'm finally free
And I'm taking it
Step by step, step by step
Step by step, step by step
I'm gotta take it step by step
Step by step, step by step
And I'm taking it
Step by step, step by step
Step by step, step by step
You gotta take it step by step
Step by step, I'm gotta take it step by step
And I'm taking it
Step by step, step by step
Step by step, step by step
You gotta take it, step by step
Step by step, step by step
The lyrics to Club Nouveau's song "Step By Step" are all about taking control of one's life and moving forward with confidence, despite any obstacles or challenges that may arise. In the first verse, the singer acknowledges that trouble seems to follow them, but they are determined to keep pushing forward, taking life "step by step." They assert that they are simply being themselves and that they have no worries now that they have found their freedom.
The second verse echoes this sentiment, with the singer declaring that they will do what they want and won't take any disrespect from anyone. They acknowledge that people may see them as bossy or crazy, but they don't care because they are finally living life on their own terms. The chorus repeats the uplifting message of taking one's life "step by step" and encourages listeners to do the same.
This empowering message of self-determination and perseverance has resonated with many listeners since the song's release in 1986. It's a reminder to take control of one's life and to not let anything stand in the way of one's dreams and aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not lookin' for trouble
I am not seeking conflict.
But it seems to keep following me
However, conflict keeps finding its way to me.
I get up and move on the double
When faced with conflict, I take immediate action to resolve it.
Look at my face and what you see?
Can you tell from my expression that I am unfazed by conflict?
You might say that I'm a little crazy
Some people might perceive my behavior as irrational or strange.
But I'm just being me
I am simply living my life according to my own values and principles.
You know that I ain't got no worries
Despite any challenges I may face, I am not burdened by anxieties or fears.
This is my life and I'm finally free
I am living my life on my own terms and experiencing a sense of liberation.
And I'm taking it
I am proactively pursuing my goals and dreams.
Step by step, step by step
I am making incremental progress, one step at a time.
Take my life by the hand and grab it
I am fully embracing my life and taking complete control of it.
Gonna do what I wanna do
I am determined to pursue my passions and desires.
I ain't taking me no stuff from nothing
I refuse to let anyone or anything get in the way of my aspirations.
You'll be alone 'cause I'm being cool
If someone tries to stand in my way or provoke me, they will end up isolated because I remain calm and collected.
You may say that I'm a little bossy
Others might view me as assertive or domineering.
But I'm just being me
Regardless of what others think, I am living my life authentically.
Step by step, step by step
I am making steady progress despite any obstacles or setbacks.
I'm not lookin' for trouble
Again, I am not seeking conflict.
But it seems to keep following me
Even though I do not seek it out, conflict continues to arise.
You gotta take it, step by step
In order to overcome obstacles, one must approach them one step at a time.
Step by step, step by step
I am committed to making progress at a consistent pace.
And I'm taking it
I am taking control of my life and pursuing my goals with determination.
Step by step, step by step
I continue to move forward despite challenges or setbacks.
You gotta take it, step by step
One must persist in order to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Step by step, step by step
This phrase serves as a reminder to keep moving forward and making progress, no matter how small.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: BRIAN HUNTER FAIRWEATHER, KATHY WAKEFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ana
on Situation Number 9
What does situation number 9 mean in the song