Steppin' Out
Joe Jackson Lyrics


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Now
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the color of the lights that shine
Electricity so fine
Look and dry your eyes

We
So tired of all the darkness in our lives
With no more angry words to say
Can come alive
Get into a car and drive
To the other side

Me babe, steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe, steppin out
Into the night
Into the light

We
Are young but getting old before our time
We'll leave the T.V. and the radio behind
Don't you wonder what we'll find
Steppin' out tonight

You
Can dress in pink and blue just like a child
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
We'll be there in just a while
If you follow me

Me babe, steppin' out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe, steppin' out




Into the night
Into the light

Overall Meaning

In "Steppin' Out," Joe Jackson captures the excitement of a couple taking a break from their routine and heading out into the night to explore the city lights. The opening lines reveal that the duo is sitting in a car, looking out of the misty window. The neon lights shining through the fog hint at the thrill of what's to come. The lines "Electricity so fine/Look and dry your eyes" suggest that the buzz of the city is exhilarating, but it's also intense enough to make one's eyes water. They are both tired of the darkness in their lives and have no more angry words to say, indicating that they are ready to escape their mundane routine and have a little adventure.


The chorus of the song - "Me babe, steppin out/Into the night/Into the light/You babe, steppin out/Into the night/Into the light" - is repetitive and straightforward, echoing the thrill of taking a step out of one's comfort zone and into unknown territory – whether it's exploring a new city or embarking on a relationship. The lyrics are full of youthful optimism; the idea that even though the couple knows they're growing old too quickly, they still have the courage to venture out and discover something new. It's interesting to note that the song was released in 1982, the beginning of the MTV era, and the video reflects that with its futuristic visuals and edgy fashion.


Line by Line Meaning

Now
At present moment


The mist across the window hides the lines
The fog that's settled on the glass obstructs the view of the city skyline.


But nothing hides the color of the lights that shine
Despite the foggy atmosphere, the colorful electric lights still light up the city.


Electricity so fine
The electricity that powers the city's lights is amazing.


Look and dry your eyes
Take a look at the beautiful view and stop crying.


We
Us or me and my partner


So tired of all the darkness in our lives
We're sick of being unhappy.


With no more angry words to say
We've said everything we need to say.


Can come alive
We can be happy and enjoy life.


Get into a car and drive
Let's take a drive and enjoy the night.


To the other side
To something better or to change our circumstances.


Me babe, steppin out
I am stepping out of my comfort zone.


Into the night
Going out at night.


Into the light
Into a happier and brighter life.


You babe, steppin out
My partner is also stepping out of their comfort zone.


We
Us or me and my partner


Are young but getting old before our time
We feel like we're getting old and tired even though we're still young.


We'll leave the T.V. and the radio behind
We'll leave the things that make us unhappy behind.


Don't you wonder what we'll find
Aren't you curious about what's out there for us?


Steppin' out tonight
We're going out tonight to explore and enjoy life.


You
My partner


Can dress in pink and blue just like a child
You can wear whatever you want and be carefree like a child.


And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
And in a taxi, you can turn to me and smile because we're happy.


We'll be there in just a while
We'll arrive at our destination soon.


If you follow me
If you trust me and stick with me.


Me babe, steppin' out
I am stepping out of my comfort zone.


Into the night
Going out at night.


Into the light
Into a happier and brighter life.


You babe, steppin' out
My partner is also stepping out of their comfort zone.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Ian Jackson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@taofledermaus

Early 80's and this playing on MTV a couple times an hour it seemed. Good times.

@kirkcekada5637

This is one of the first videos I ever saw -- while staying at a friend's house who had MTV. The song and the video are both held up extremely well. Can't be said for all videos of that era.

@johnnysinger2653

TAOFLEDERMAUS funny how MTV stopped rock videos , then Vh1
The competition was on Saturdays soul train!
Barely remember the 80s

@F15ElectricEagle

@TAOFLEDERMAUS
Agreed, BTW,... planning to shoot any new custom designed shotgun slug soon?

@timmccreary2672

MTV WAS AWESOME!!! especially head bangers ball

@andrewluchsinger

Back when MTV was good. Not the crap that goes on now.

91 More Replies...

@toddforhetz

I am 62 and have tears in my eyes as I listen to this .... remembering back to a different time, a time of my youth. Everything back then was new and exciting. I had energy enough to light New York at night. Life was fun, going out was an experience, and life was full of promise. I was young, good looking, and ready to face the world. ............. I miss those days ............

@christystewart4567

In my case it was San Francisco.

@hindlewalker9330

Yes 69 now but can relate to what you are saying .from Yorkshire .England.

@djsubculture2786

I remember clubbing until the club closed and then hanging out by the beach until the sun came up. I was living in Hawaii at the the time.
What I wouldn't give to relive those days.

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