Discography:
1995 - Sleater-Kinney (Chainsaw)
1996 - Call the Doctor (Chainsaw)
1997 - Dig Me Out (Kill Rock Stars)
1999 - The Hot Rock (Kill Rock Stars)
2000 - All Hands on the Bad One (Kill Rock Stars)
2002 - One Beat (Kill Rock Stars)
2005 - The Woods (Sub Pop)
2015 - No Cities to Love (Sub Pop)
2019 - The Center Won't Hold (Mom+Pop)
2021 - Path of Wellness (Mom+Pop)
Step Aside
Sleater-Kinney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pull me pick me off the floor
I might need something to get me going
Feel it one time IT ROLLS dig it
When I feel worn out when I feel beaten
Like a used up shoe or a cake half-eaten
There's only one way to keep on feeling
Move it up one time IN TIME
This mama works till her back is sore
But the baby's fed and the tunes are pure
So you'd better get your feet on the floor
Move it up one time TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT
These times are troubled these times are rough
There's more to come but you can't give up
Why don't you shake a tail for peace and love
Move it up one time FOR LOVE
JANET CARRIE CAN YOU FEEL IT
Knife through the heart of our exploitation
LADIES ONE TIME CAN YOU HEAR IT
Disassemble your discrimination
When violence rules the world outside
And the headlines make me want to cry
It's not the time to just keep quiet
Speak up one time TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT
The lyrics to Sleater-Kinney's song "Step Aside" are a call to action in troubled and rough times. The song speaks to feelings of exhaustion, defeat and the need for motivation to "move it up one time IN TIME." The chorus repeatedly urges listeners to "MOVE IT UP ONE TIME TO THE BEAT," with the implication that dancing and rhythm can help them persevere.
The verse about a mother working tirelessly to support her child, while still prioritizing music and expression, could represent marginalized communities who use art and culture as a form of resistance or escape. The lyrics also allude to the need for social and political change: "Knife through the heart of our exploitation...Disassemble your discrimination...Speak up one time TO THE BEAT."
Overall, the song Step Aside implores the listener to keep pushing through tough times, to dance and move to the beat, and to use their voice and actions for positive change in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Will you come knocking on my door?
Asking someone to check up on me and help me get back on my feet.
Pull me pick me off the floor
Help me regain my energy and motivation.
I might need something to get me going
Asking for a little push to get me started on something.
Feel it one time IT ROLLS dig it
Experience the beat and groove of the music and enjoy it.
When I feel worn out when I feel beaten
When I feel exhausted and defeated.
Like a used up shoe or a cake half-eaten
Feeling incomplete or used up.
There's only one way to keep on feeling
The only way to keep going is to move forward and not give up.
Move it up one time IN TIME
Move forward and keep up with the rhythm of life.
This mama works till her back is sore
Working hard until physically exhausted.
But the baby's fed and the tunes are pure
Despite the hardships, taking care of loved ones and finding joy in music.
So you'd better get your feet on the floor
Encouraging others to dance and enjoy life.
Move it up one time TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT
Dance and move to the rhythm of the music.
These times are troubled these times are rough
Acknowledging the difficulties of the present time.
There's more to come but you can't give up
Despite the challenges ahead, it's important to keep going and not give up.
Why don't you shake a tail for peace and love
Encouraging others to dance and celebrate love and unity.
Move it up one time FOR LOVE
Dance and celebrate for the sake of love and unity.
JANET CARRIE CAN YOU FEEL IT
Addressing specific individuals and hoping they can enjoy the music and dance along.
Knife through the heart of our exploitation
Highlighting the issues of exploitation and violence.
LADIES ONE TIME CAN YOU HEAR IT
Asking women to listen to the message of the music.
Disassemble your discrimination
Urging people to dismantle their discriminatory beliefs and attitudes.
When violence rules the world outside
Addressing the harsh reality of violence in the world.
And the headlines make me want to cry
Feeling overwhelmed and saddened by the negative news.
It's not the time to just keep quiet
It's important to speak up and make a change.
Speak up one time TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT, TO THE BEAT
Speak up and take action while also enjoying the rhythm and beat of the music.
Contributed by Caden K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.