Stepping Stone
G. Love & Jack Johnson Lyrics
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Every man knows your name in this whole damn town
In every bar they know your drink, what should I think
I turned around to look and you gave some dude a wink
I thought I'd be happy with a woman like you,
But you walked on my pride and my manhood too
I don't know too much but one thing I know
A man stuck on you is like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
What you forgot to mention, what was your real intention
Did you want a man to love, or someone to prop and carry you up
To a higher status, but the matter of fact is, your detachment
Will bring you further down and now you're all used up
Don't bother coming round
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Well, I remember back to what you put me through
I keep thinking to myself
What's wrong with you
Ain't it enough to have a man for a lover and a friend
Tear him up and leave him when the money's spent
Well, you're just like delilah sittin' in her den
You take the strongest man and break 'em down again
But I have gained some knowledge
Go on pack your things and move back to college
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
The lyrics of G. Love & Special Sauce's song "Stepping Stones" are about a man who is used and taken advantage of by a woman he thought he could trust. The opening verse suggests that the woman has a reputation for using men for her own purposes, and the singer has now become one of her conquests. He is initially willing to overlook her behavior, but as the song progresses, he becomes more and more frustrated with her, and decides that he can no longer be a "stepping stone" for her to use. He accuses her of being detached and greedy, and ultimately suggests that she would be better off leaving his life altogether.
One interesting aspect of "Stepping Stones" is its use of blues and hip-hop elements. The band's sound has influences from both genres, with the acoustic guitar and harmonica giving the song a bluesy vibe, while the rhythmic delivery of the vocals draws from hip-hop. Additionally, the lyrics are full of clever wordplay and rhymes, a hallmark of both blues and hip-hop music.
Another interesting aspect of the song is its video, which features the band performing in a rundown, graffiti-covered building. The video also utilizes black and white footage of the band walking down a street, interspersed with shots of street performers and homeless people. This imagery underscores the song's themes of struggle and hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby you've been up, broken down
You've had your highs, but now you're at your lows
Every man knows your name in this whole damn town
You have a reputation for being promiscuous with many men in this town, hence every man knows your name
In every bar they know your drink, what should I think
You are a frequent customer in every bar and they all know your usual drink, which makes me question your intentions with me
I turned around to look and you gave some dude a wink
I saw you flirting with another guy by giving him a wink
I thought I'd be happy with a woman like you,
I initially believed that being with you would make me happy
But you walked on my pride and my manhood too
You hurt my pride and made me feel emasculated
I don't know too much but one thing I know
I might not know a lot about relationships, but I am sure about one thing
A man stuck on you is like a stepping stone
Being in a relationship with you is like being a stepping stone – someone you use to get ahead in life only to discard later
What you forgot to mention, what was your real intention
You didn't reveal your true intentions with me
Did you want a man to love, or someone to prop and carry you up
Did you want someone to love or someone to support you and elevate your status?
To a higher status, but the matter of fact is, your detachment
Your desire for a higher status is evident, but your emotional detachment is doing more harm than good
Will bring you further down and now you're all used up
Your detachment will only lead to your downfall and now you have nothing left to gain
Well, I remember back to what you put me through
I still recall the pain and hurt you caused me
I keep thinking to myself, what's wrong with you
I am still trying to understand why you treat people the way that you do
Ain't it enough to have a man for a lover and a friend
Isn't it enough to have a man who is both your lover and friend?
Tear him up and leave him when the money's spent
You destroy him emotionally and financially, then leave him when his resources run out
Well, you're just like delilah sittin' in her den
You are manipulative like Delilah, who betrayed Samson in the Bible
You take the strongest man and break 'em down again
You have a pattern of breaking down strong men, leaving them vulnerable and broken
But I have gained some knowledge
I have learned from my experience with you
Go on pack your things and move back to college
It's time for you to move on from this relationship and focus on your education
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
You continue to use me for your own gain, just like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
You continue to use me for your own gain, just like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
You continue to use me for your own gain, just like a stepping stone
Because you keep using me like a stepping stone
You continue to use me for your own gain, just like a stepping stone
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GARRETT DUTTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind