One Step Ahead Of The Blues
J.J. Cale Lyrics


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I ain't high on cocaine
I don't need the pain
It's bad for your brain and that's true
I ain't droppin' no names
I ain't playin' no games
I'm just one step ahead of the blues
One step ahead of the blues
From Memphis to Reno
From New York to Tokyo
I'll try to come through for you
I won't do you in
I ain't no fairweather friend
I'm just one step ahead of the blues
One step ahead of the blues
I don't rob, I don't steal
I ain't beggin' no meal
I ain't driven to drink, I'm no fool
I don't run with the crowd
I don't talk big and loud
I'm just one step ahead of the blues
One step ahead of the blues
I've been under a spell
I ain't been feelin' well
I've been in a shell, and that's true
Dealin' with a curse
But it couldn't be worse




I've been one step ahead of the blues
One step ahead of the blues

Overall Meaning

In J.J. Cale's “One Step Ahead Of The Blues”, the singer distances himself from a lifestyle of drugs, crime, and excess, instead choosing to stay one step ahead of the blues. He emphasizes this in the first verse by stating, “I ain't high on cocaine, I don't need the pain, It's bad for your brain and that's true”. He refuses to name-drop or play games, showing that he values honesty and authenticity. The phrase “one step ahead” throughout the song suggests that the blues is always a step behind him, almost as if it's chasing him.


The singer also describes his travels from Memphis to Reno, New York to Tokyo, showing that he's trying to come through for someone or something. He emphasizes his loyalty in the second verse by stating, “I won't do you in, I ain't no fairweather friend, I'm just one step ahead of the blues”. This shows that he's aware of the fickle nature of people and doesn't want to be associated with it. He continuously distances himself from criminal activities, showing that he's not interested in following the crowd.


Finally, the bridge shows that the singer has been under a spell and dealing with a curse, but still manages to be ahead of the blues. This metaphorical curse can represent a number of things, including addiction or depression, however, ultimately the song is about overcoming obstacles and not giving in to negative emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

I ain't high on cocaine
I am not under the influence of cocaine


I don't need the pain
I do not need any form of suffering in my life


It's bad for your brain and that's true
Cocaine has negative effects on one's brain and that fact is true


I ain't droppin' no names
I am not revealing any names or identities


I ain't playin' no games
I am not engaging in any manipulative or deceitful activities


I'm just one step ahead of the blues
I am trying to stay ahead of my feelings of sadness and depression


From Memphis to Reno
From the city of Memphis to Reno, a city in Nevada


From New York to Tokyo
From the city of New York to Tokyo, Japan


I'll try to come through for you
I will attempt to be there for you


I won't do you in
I will not harm or betray you


I ain't no fairweather friend
I am not a friend who is only there in good times


I don't rob, I don't steal
I do not engage in theft or robbery


I ain't beggin' no meal
I am not asking for food or charity


I ain't driven to drink, I'm no fool
I am not using alcohol to cope with my problems, I am not foolish


I don't run with the crowd
I do not follow or conform to popular opinion or trends


I don't talk big and loud
I do not brag or speak loudly


I'm just one step ahead of the blues
I am trying to stay ahead of my feelings of sadness and depression


I've been under a spell
I have been under a mystifying or captivating influence


I ain't been feelin' well
I have not been feeling physically or emotionally well


I've been in a shell, and that's true
I have been isolating myself and that fact is true


Dealin' with a curse
I am dealing with a troublesome or difficult situation


But it couldn't be worse
But despite the negative situation, it could be even worse


I've been one step ahead of the blues
I am trying to stay ahead of my feelings of sadness and depression




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROGER TILLISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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