Steppin' Out
Electric Light Orchestra Lyrics


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Pack up all your things
We're gonna be leaving
Sooner than I thought
Take the things you bought
Clouds are gathering.

Say goodbye to all your friends
We're gonna be sorry
For a while, that's how it goes
But then again, who knows
About the rain.

I'm steppin' out
I'm movin' on
I'm gonna see the world
Like a rollin' stone
I'm gonna be somebody
Oh, I'm steppin' out.

Did you hear what he said?
He said they
Sold me down the river
They thought I was a fool
They said the rain would fall
What did they know?

Then I saw your face
And the song that
You were singin'
Though I thought I knew the words
The tune was quite absurd
And out of key
Doo dah dah dee.

I'm steppin' out
I'm moving on
I'm gonna see the world
Like a rolling stone




I'm gonna be somebody...
Oh, I'm steppin' out.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Electric Light Orchestra's Steppin' Out seem to talk about leaving behind what is familiar and comfortable to explore something new and exciting. The first verse describes the urgency of leaving, portrayed by the clouds gathering, which may signify the impending storm or signifying the end of a chapter. The singer acknowledges that goodbyes may be difficult, but it's a necessary step that might lead to new discoveries since it is impossible to know what lies beyond the horizon.


The second verse, on the other hand, talks about betrayal and false promises. The singer talks about being sold down the river and misled by someone close. They were told that the rain would fall, but it turned out to be inaccurate. Despite this, the singer doesn't seem to be dwelling on the negativity and the hurt occasioned by the betrayal. The singer then sees someone they seem to care about, and the experience felt surreal. In contrast to what he thought he knew, everything was absurd and out of key.


The chorus then comes in, repeating the phrase "I'm stepping out" twice, emphasizing the significance of doing something new and daring. The singer is moving on and will somehow make a difference in their world. He's gunning for something bigger, and nothing can hold him down.


Overall, the lyrics of Electric Light Orchestra's Steppin' Out seem to encourage an adventurous spirit that is ready to take on new experiences regardless of the challenges they may encounter. It is a reminder that anything is possible if we dare to step out of our comfort zone and take a chance.


Line by Line Meaning

Pack up all your things
Prepare to leave with all of your belongings


We're gonna be leaving
We will be departing soon


Sooner than I thought
Our departure will occur earlier than expected


Take the things you bought
Bring along the items you purchased


Clouds are gathering.
Conditions suggest a storm is coming


Say goodbye to all your friends
Bid farewell to those we know


We're gonna be sorry
There will be a sense of regret


For a while, that's how it goes
For some time, this is how things will be


But then again, who knows
However, there's always uncertainty


About the rain.
Regarding the downpour that may occur


I'm steppin' out
I'm beginning a new phase


I'm movin' on
I'm progressing forward


I'm gonna see the world
I'll be exposed to diverse cultures and experiences


Like a rollin' stone
I'll be moving frequently without a permanent home


I'm gonna be somebody
I'll be a person of importance or influence


Oh, I'm steppin' out.
Yes, I'm making a new start


Did you hear what he said?
Did you listen to the remark made?


He said they
He expressed that someone


Sold me down the river
Betrayed me and put me in jeopardy


They thought I was a fool
They underestimated my intelligence


They said the rain would fall
They predicted precipitation would happen


What did they know?
Their knowledge and expertise are questionable


Then I saw your face
Later, I caught sight of your visage


And the song that
Also, the piece of music


You were singin'
That you were performing


Though I thought I knew the words
Even though I believed I knew the lyrics


The tune was quite absurd
The melody was illogical or nonsensical


And out of key
And not in the correct musical key


Doo dah dah dee.
Repeating, nonsensical phrase to conclude the song




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: DAVID ARTHUR GARCIA, JASON DAVID INGRAM, BLANCA ELAINE REYES, CHRISTOPHER E. STEVENS

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

Donald's trump

[Verse 1]
Pack up all your things
We're gonna be leavin'
Sooner than I thought
Take the things you bought
Clouds are gathering
Say goodbye to all your friends
We're gonna be sorry
For a while, that's how it goes
But then again, who knows
About the rain?

[Chorus]
I'm steppin' out, I'm moving on
I'm gonna see the world
Like a rolling stone
steppin' out
I'm gonna be somebody...
Ooh, I'm steppin' out

[Verse 2]
Did you hear what he said?
He said they sold me down the river
They thought I thought I was a fool
They said the rain would fall
What did they know?
Then I saw your face
Heard the song that you were singin'
Though I thought I knew the words
The tune was quite absurd
And out of key
Doo-dah-dah-dee


[Chorus]
I'm steppin' out, I'm moving on
I'm gonna see the world
Like a rolling stone
steppin' out
I'm gonna be somebody...
Ooh, I'm steppin' out

I'm steppin' out, I'm steppin' out
I'm steppin' out, I'm steppin' out
I'm steppin' out, I'm steppin' out
I'm steppin' out, I'm steppin' out
I'm steppin' out, I'm steppin' out
I'm steppin' out, I'm steppin' out

Steppin' out
Steppin' out
Steppin' out

Don't know where I'm going
Gonna see the world
Gonna be somebody...
Don't know where I'm going
I'm just steppin' out
I'm steppin' out
I'm steppin' out



Laurie Croad

Pack up all your things
We're gonna be leaving
Sooner than I thought
Take the things you bought
Clouds are gathering.
Say goodbye to all your friends
We're gonna be sorry
For a while, that's how it goes
But then again, who knows
About the rain.
I'm steppin' out
I'm movin' on
I'm gonna see the world
Like a rollin' stone
I'm gonna be somebody
Oh, I'm steppin' out.
Did you hear what he said?
He said they
Sold me down the river
They thought I was a fool
They said the rain would fall
What did they know?
Then I saw your face
And the…
I'm steppin' out
I'm moving on
I'm gonna see the world
Like a rolling stone
I'm gonna be somebody...
Oh, I'm steppin' out.
Source: LyricFind



All comments from YouTube:

Chris Galliera

Such a sad song yet uplifting at the same time. Only a genius like Jeff Lynne can do that!!!

Bigest of the Small Brains

A place to cry Dwight yoakam

Ed King

I played this album all the time in my senior year of high school (1978) and this song in particular had meaning as I prepared to leave my hometown for college. And now it’s 2020 and I still play it all the time. Loved ELO!

cookie14909

This whole album is amazing. I don't even have a favorite song. I just play all the sides in order.

Mark Williams

that is so right cookie.. just play it.. It plays like a short story

Robbie Field

I'm with you on that I like the whale it's just kind of an eerie type of awesome Melody that really sticks to my heart so I'm with you I love the whole album.

windridr66 Willis

So right, Cookie. It flows perfectly.

Mark Hall

🎶👌👌🇫🇮

Quinn W. Johnson

The way it once was, so long ago and yet just a memory now.

10 More Replies...

Chris Galliera

3:50 to 4:02 ... The orchestral strings with the choir fading in is pure magic!

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