One Less Set of Footsteps
Croce Jim Lyrics


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We been runnin' away from
Somethin' we both know
We've long run out of things to say
And I think I better go

So don't be getting' excited
When you hear that slammin' door
'Cause there'll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin'

And we've been hidin' from somethin'
That should have never gone this far
But after all it's what we've done
That makes us what we are

And you been talkin' in silence
But if it's silence you adore
Oh there'll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin'

Well there'll be one less set of footsteps on your floor
One less man to walk in
One less pair of jeans upon your door
One less voice a'talkin'

But tomorrow's a dream away
Today has turned to dust
Your silver tongue has turned to clay
And your golden rule to rust
If that's the way that you want it
That's the way I want it more
There'll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin'

Well there'll be one less set of footsteps on your floor
One less man to walk in
One less pair of jeans upon your door
One less voice a'talkin'

But tomorrow's a dream away
When today has turned to dust
Your silver tongue has turned to clay
And your golden rule to rust
If that's the way that you want it
That's the way I want it more
There'll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin'




There'll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin'

Overall Meaning

The song "One Less Set of Footsteps" by Jim Croce tells the story of a couple that has grown apart and has nothing left to say to each other. They have been avoiding confronting the issue, but the singer realizes that it is time to move on. He is matter-of-fact about his departure, telling his partner not to be surprised when she hears him leave. He acknowledges that they have both contributed to the situation they are in, and that their actions have made them who they are.


The song captures the sense of resignation and sadness at the end of a relationship. The singer knows that there will be one less person in her life, and that he will no longer be a part of her routine. He lists all the things that will be missing, including his footsteps, the sound of his voice, and his clothing. But he also recognizes that the future holds the promise of something new, and that he has no choice but to move forward.


Overall, "One Less Set of Footsteps" is a poignant and contemplative song that speaks to the complexities of relationships and the importance of moving on when things are no longer working.


Line by Line Meaning

We been runnin' away from
We have been avoiding something that we know is inevitable


Somethin' we both know
We both know what we are running from


We've long run out of things to say
We've reached a point where we have nothing to say to each other anymore


And I think I better go
I think it's time for me to leave


So don't be getting' excited
Don't get your hopes up


When you hear that slammin' door
When you hear the sound of the door closing


'Cause there'll be one less set of footsteps
Because I will no longer be present in your life


On your floor in the mornin'
You will wake up to one less person in your life


And we've been hidin' from somethin'
We have been avoiding a problem


That should have never gone this far
The problem should have been addressed earlier


But after all it's what we've done
We have to face the consequences of our actions


That makes us what we are
Our actions define who we are


And you been talkin' in silence
You have been communicating without words


But if it's silence you adore
But if you enjoy the silence


Oh there'll be one less set of footsteps
There will be no more noise from me


On your floor in the mornin'
You will wake up to my absence


Well there'll be one less set of footsteps on your floor
I will no longer be walking in your house


One less man to walk in
I won't be there anymore


One less pair of jeans upon your door
My clothes won't be hanging on your door anymore


One less voice a'talkin'
You won't hear my voice anymore


But tomorrow's a dream away
Tomorrow is uncertain


Today has turned to dust
Today is over


Your silver tongue has turned to clay
You can't talk your way out of this


And your golden rule to rust
Your values have lost their shine and meaning


If that's the way that you want it
If that's what you desire


That's the way I want it more
I want to leave more than you want me to stay


There'll be one less set of footsteps
You won't hear the sound of my footsteps anymore


On your floor in the mornin'
When you wake up, I won't be there




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES CROCE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

木倉谷哲也

Lyrics:

We’ve been runnin’ away from somethin’ we both know
We’ve long run out of things to say and I think I’d better go
So don’t be gettin’ excited, oh-when you hear that slammin’ door
‘Cause there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor in the mornin’

And we’ve been hidin’ from somethin’ that should have never gone this far
But after all it’s what we’ve done that makes us what we are
And you’ve been talkin’ in silence, well if it’s silence you adore
Oh there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor in the mornin’

Oh there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor
One less man to walk in
One less pair of jeans upon your door
One less voice a-talkin’

But tomorrow’s dream away and today has turned to dust
Your silver tongue has turned to clay and your golden rule to rust
If that’s the way that you want it, well that’s the way I want it more
‘Cause there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor in the mornin’

Oh there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor
One less man to walk in
One less pair of jeans upon your door
One less voice a-talkin’

But tomorrow’s a dream away and today has turned to dust
Your silver tongue has turned to clay and your golden rule to rust
If that’s the way you want it, well that’s the way I want it more
‘Cause there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor in the mornin’
Oh there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor in the mornin’



All comments from YouTube:

Donna Frost

Today Jim Croce would have turned 75. He was taken from us much too soon. His music lives on and continues to influence and inspire others. He was and is still a big influence on me. He was one of the best storytellers of all.

Jeffrey Crawford

This man was so damn talented. The music coming from those guitars is so unique. I was walking through hall, between classes my freshman year in H.S. when I heard the announcement about his death. Brought tears to my eyes. His lyrics are timeless. Those of us that enjoy his music know he was one of greatest songwriters and performers ALL TIME

Dale Kidd

My hat's off to you!!!😎

Kevin Shannon

I was 6 when he died. To me, he was the guy who sang Leroy Brown. That was the first song I remember hearing on the radio back then. I knew all the words and loved singing along with it.

John Fuentes

I'm with you on that. I was in biology lab during my sophomore year of H. S. when I heard the news that Jim Croce had passed I had just started to get into his music and I think his death hit me hard for mr reason than the deaths of other great musical artists.

William Gause

A hidden gem

Phil.S

Same here i cried and to this day, it feels like a void. I still miss him. I can only hope some day all his fans and media will justify his talent by acknowledging him at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Linda Johnson

Jim Croce died before age 30, but he was such a wise old soul. I am still learning from his songwriting. Amazing artist!

darryl nelson

CERTAIN HE WAS AN ASHKENAZI JEW OF RUSSIAN DESCENT~

stanley davis

omg yes sounds like he lived 200 years in 29

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