The band is comprised of vocalist Johnny Rotten, guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock left the band in 1977 and was replaced by Sid Vicious, who remained until the band's initial 1978 breakup. Matlock rejoined the band for their 1996 reunion and has remained with them throughout most subsequent reunions, including the most recent, in 2008.
Sex Pistols were managed by the infamous Malcolm McLaren, after he saw Johnny Rotten sporting a Pink Floyd shirt with "I hate" scribbled on. Impressed by Johnny Rotten's attitude, McLaren brought Rotten to audition for frontman of The Strand, the band that would later become the Sex Pistols. The Sex Pistols have been described by the BBC as "the definitive English punk rock band" and are widely credited with initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and creating the first generation gap within rock and roll.
Sex Pistols emerged as a response to what was perceived to be the increasingly safe and bloated progressive rock and manufactured pop music of the mid-1970s. The band created various controversies during their brief career, which captivated England but often eclipsed their music. Their shows and tours repeatedly faced difficulties from authorities, and public appearances often ended in disaster and riot. Their 1977 single, God Save the Queen, released during the build up to the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, was widely regarded as an attack on the British monarchy and British Nationalism.
The group broke up in 1978 amid a turbulent tour of the United States, but reunited in 1996 for the "Filthy Lucre" tour, and have staged subsequent reunion tours in 2002 and 2003. On 24 February 2006, The Sex Pistols were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but refused to attend the induction, calling the museum a "piss stain".
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, The Sex Pistols reunited for 7 live shows. They played 5 nights at the Brixton Academy in London between 8 November and 14 November, 1 night at the MEN Arena in Manchester, and 1 night at the SECC in Glasgow. The band last performed live in 2008 are are currently on hiatus as John Lydon tours with Public Image Ltd., which reunited in 2009.
Stepping Stone
Sex Pistols Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone.
You're trying to make your mark in society,
You're using all the tricks that you used on me,
You're reading all them high-fashion magazines,
The clothes you're wearing, girl, they're causing public scenes.
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone. (No!)
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
When I first met you, girl, you didn't have no shoes,
But, now you're walking around like you're front page news,
You've been awful careful 'bout the friends you choose,
But, you won't find my name in your book of "Who's Who".
I said, I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone, (No, girl, not me!)
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone. (No!)
Not your steppin' stone,
I'm not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
No, girl, I'm not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
Not your steppin' stone,
The Sex Pistols' cover of "Stepping Stone" is a rebellious punk rock interpretation of Paul Revere and the Raiders' original song, infusing it with grit and rawness that was signature of the band's sound. The lyrics themselves are a rejection of societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding appearance and status. The singer declares that he is not a "steppin' stone," meaning he won't be a stepping stone for the girl to climb up the social ladder. He criticizes her for trying to use the same tricks on him that she's using on society, including reading high-fashion magazines and wearing attention-grabbing clothing.
The second verse highlights the singer's disdain for the girl's newfound status and her selective choice of friends. He points out that she used to have nothing, but now that she's "front page news," she's become discriminating about her company. Despite her apparent success, the singer refuses to be a part of her group and asserts his independence. The repeated chorus amplifies his message: "I'm not your steppin' stone" is a forceful declaration of self-worth and refusal to be used by others.
Overall, "Stepping Stone" is a quintessential punk anthem that challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality. The Sex Pistols' version of the song transforms it into a fiercely angry rejection of conformity, encapsulating the band's rebellious spirit and cementing their place in punk rock history.
Line by Line Meaning
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone,
You're not going to use me as your means to get ahead in life.
You're trying to make your mark in society,
You're attempting to establish your identity in a societal context.
You're using all the tricks that you used on me,
You're resorting to your usual tactics, which have been previously employed to manipulate me.
You're reading all them high-fashion magazines,
You're consuming mass media that promotes trends in the fashion industry.
The clothes you're wearing, girl, they're causing public scenes.
Your fashion choices are drawing attention, and not always for the right reasons.
When I first met you, girl, you didn't have no shoes,
When we first met, you were lacking material possessions such as footwear.
But, now you're walking around like you're front page news,
Now you're acting as if you're the subject of extensive media coverage.
You've been awful careful 'bout the friends you choose,
You've been selective with regard to the company you keep.
But, you won't find my name in your book of "Who's Who".
You won't find me among the list of notable individuals you associate with.
No, girl, I'm not your steppin' stone,
I refuse to be used as a stepping stone in your pursuits.
Not your steppin' stone,
I am not the means to an end for you.
Not your steppin' stone,
I'm not here to be climbed upon for your benefit.
Not your steppin' stone,
You can't leverage me to elevate yourself.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@em9638
I I I I I'm not your stepping stone
I I I I I'm not your stepping stone
You're trying to make your mark in society
Using all the tricks that you used on me.
You're reading all those high fashion magazines
The clothes you're wearin' girl are causing public scenes.
I said
I I I I I'm not your stepping stone
I I I I I'm not your stepping stone
Not your stepping stone,
Not your stepping stone.
When I first met you girl you didn't have no shoes
Now you're walking 'round like you're front page news.
You've been awful careful 'bout the friends you choose
But you won't find my name in your book of Who's Who.
I said
I I I I I'm not your stepping stone
I I I I I'm not your stepping stone
Not your stepping stone,
Not your stepping stone.
@jayanxiety
Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees calls this version his ABSOLUTE FAVORITE of all the Monkees songs covered by other artists!
@impalaman9707
It's a pretty easy song to put some kick ass power chords to. Strip away the jangle and the electric organ, add some volume and fuzztone--and voila!---instant PUNK! By the way, Metallica covered it, too
@Erikr-ex9dj
It's not a monkees cover
@jayanxiety
@@Erikr-ex9dj Well I realize they DIDN'T write the song, but THEIR version WAS the DEFINITIVE version everyone knows, including Steve Jones who is a Monkees fan and insisted they cover it.
@mozzycat00
One of my first music memories is of this song blasting out of my brothers room. It influenced my taste in music and made me aware that there is an alternative to all the main stream crap that was forced down our throats at that time. It gave me an appreciation for all genres of music. Thank you my brother ...
@leestaggers2583
This comment is way too on point. Thank you for sharing this! Being born in the 80s and growing up in the 90s my aunt got me into these guys at an earlier age and it blew my fucking mind that there was music like this out there at that time and I've been hooked ever since. It's gotten me thru some of the best and worst times of my life.
@stormcloudsabound
You're not special because you listen to the Sex Pistols, Mozzy Cat.
@TrevorHamberger
this reminds me of the first time i heard the white stripes blue orchid. I knew about music but i was drawn to it. It just kept pulling me in . that was 08'. I heard this for the first time today.
@kalebgray3878
Johnny's voice is so unique and full of raw energy. It's perfect!
@maceikobrandon83
Best cover of Stepping Stone ever...and one of their better covers!