El… Read Full Bio ↴Kurt Elling (born November 2, 1967) is an American jazz vocalist.
Elling graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota in 1989. He then enrolled in The University of Chicago's Divinity School and remained a student there until January 1992, when he left school one credit short of graduation.
In the last decade, Elling has released seven albums for the Blue Note label. He has also performed and recorded with many musicians, including David Amram, Bob Belden, Joanne Brackeen, Oscar Brown, Jr., Billy Corgan, Orbert Davis, George Freeman, Buddy Guy, Jon Hendricks, Charlie Hunter and Rex Richardson.
As of late 2005, Elling's current band includes Rob Amster on bass, Laurence Hobgood on piano, and Kobe Watkins on drums. He is regularly featured at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge at 4802 N. Broadway in Chicago.
Elling has won the Down Beat and JazzTimes critics’ polls three years in a row in the Best Male Singer category. He is also Vice Chair of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the 17,000-member service organization that produces the annual Grammy Awards.
Stepping Out
Kurt Elling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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, we can come alive
Jump into the car and drive to the other side
Groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the light
You, 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
Take the music on the dial
We can swing another mile
We'll be steppin' out in style
If you jump and follow me, babe
Steppin' out into the night and into the light
Groovin', groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the light
Groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the light
Groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the, into the light
Groovin'
The first stanza of Kurt Elling's song, "Stepping Out," sets the stage for the theme of the song, which is about leaving the darkness behind and stepping into the light. The mist across the window hides the lines, but nothing can hide the color of the lights that shine. The electricity in the air is palpable, and the singer tells us to look and dry our eyes. This suggests that perhaps there were tears before, but now there is something to look forward to.
The second stanza reinforces this idea, as the lyrics speak of being tired of all the darkness in our lives. However, instead of remaining in that darkness, the singer invites us to jump into the car and drive to the other side. This line suggests that there is hope beyond the darkness, and we just need to take that leap of faith. The chorus then repeats this idea of steppin' out into the night and into the light, groovin' to the music, and leaving all the darkness behind.
Overall, the lyrics of "Stepping Out" suggest that life is full of darkness, but there is a way to transcend it. By stepping into the light, and groovin' to the beat of the music, we can leave all our troubles behind and enjoy life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Now the mist across the window hides the lines
The fog on the window blurs the outside view but doesn't hide the vibrant city lights
But nothing hides the color of the lights that shine
The illuminating lights shine bright despite the foggy window
Electricity so fine, look and dry your eyes
The city's electric aura is so stunning that you can't help but marvel at it
We so tired of all the darkness in our lives
We are exhausted by the negative aspects of life and are ready for a change
With no more angry words to say, we can come alive
We have no more resentment and can live fully in the moment
Jump into the car and drive to the other side
We impulsively get into a car and drive to the bright side of town
Steppin' out into the night, into the light
We are stepping out from the darkness and into the light of the vibrant city
Groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the light
We are dancing and moving to the beat of the lively city as we step into it
You, you can dress in pink and blue just like a child
You can wear whatever clothes you want to evoke a carefree, childlike spirit
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
We share a moment of joy while riding in a yellow taxi cab
We'll be there in just a while
We are close to arriving at our destination
Take the music on the dial
Let's enjoy the sound of the music playing from the radio
We can swing another mile
We can keep dancing and moving as we go further into the city
We'll be steppin' out in style
We are stepping into the city with confidence and enthusiasm
If you jump and follow me, babe
If you want to join me and explore the city together, come with me
Groovin', groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the light
We are fully immersed in the lively atmosphere, dancing and enjoying ourselves
Groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the light
We are embracing the energy of the city and stepping out into it
Groovin', steppin' out into the night, into the, into the light
The excitement of the city lights encourages us to keep moving and grooving into the unknown
Writer(s): Joe Jackson
Contributed by Bentley Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alicecocco406
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 are 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
Into the night, into the light
We are young but getting old before our time
We'll leave the TV 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 babe, steppin' out
Into the night, into the light
You babe, steppin' out
Into the night, into the light
@clairecarlia-jones5979
I've always adored the Joe Jackson original, but I can't believe how divinely gorgeous this version is💖💖💖😝😝
@bigswingface5847
Then check THIS out! https://youtu.be/04tYvpgYYaY
@jorymil
My first Kurt Elling show was in support of this album. He brought the whole rhythm section out from Chicago, then fronted the Kluvers Big Band. The opener was this song, and the closer was... Happy Birthday... complete with cake! Turns out it was Kurt's birthday!
@ilovegoodsax
I want to add that at the eatery I told him that my daughter & I had front row seats. When he opened his set with this song, he looked for us & when he found us made his acknowledgement by winking. Needless to say last night was magical & a true mother/daughter bonding experience. Kurt has taken one of my favorite songs to a different level -- which is personifed when you hear him sing it live. From this point forward, I will always associate this song with Kurt Elling. Thanks Kurt! :-)
@auntgoogietucker2649
I thought I was the only one who had to listen to Kurt every day .
@robd2650
I'm a drummer, & he's my go to guy, if I want something not to heavy, (I listen a lot at work), but very interesting, & easy to flow with. Love his music; just saw him in Ann Arbor mi. 6-7-19.
@romanbailey6938
he has the best voice ever. when he comes back to Chicago. I'm so there.
@bpatient843
The coolest thing about Kurt Elling is if he does a cover to an original he will bring his A game! This gentleman has studied music for years and through his history of writing, arranging and composing he nails it everytime out. He is truely a special musician!
@ilovegoodsax
By chance, I met Kurt last night (4-6-11) before his show, which was his first in our city. My daughter & I had dinner at an eatery near the venue & were seated in a booth next to the table with him & his band. We were the only ones who knew who he was. I introduced myself & briefly gushed over him; he was so kind & gracious-- even stopped by our table before he left. Opened his set with this song & KILLED IT! Talked & took pics with him after the show. Again, very sweet, nothing but class!
@cmathews5909
Word!? I met him in 1996 during a high school trip to the Montreux Jazz festival. A group of us had come from where ever, and I had to wait alone in the hotel lobby to get my key to get up to my room and clean up for the Horace Silver concert. While waiting, this clean white dude in a three piece pulls up beside me. I glanced over at him, we locked eyes, then he slowly sized me up, or at least my least my outfit. Yo, he didn't do anything creepy but his way too confident white Dracula aura had me on guard. Fast forward to the concert, I was super tired and asleep for most it. Then I heard a voice. Long impossibly sustained tones. Wasn't sure if I was awake, but then realized the voice was real. I opened my eyes to find the singer and it was White Dracula! The show was incredible but I didn't get to meet after the show like you. Finding his music was like hearing (and appreciating) Ella for the first time - a classic qualitative mix of sound, technique and style.