Before forming the Dream Syndicate, Wynn played guitar in the Davis, California-based band The Suspects, whose members included vocalist Kendra Smith (who later played bass in the Dream Syndicate) and Russ Tolman and Gavin Blair (who would form True West (band)); in 1979 they released a single, "It's Up to You" b/w "Talking Loud." Two years later, under the name 15 Minutes, he self-released another single, "Last Chance for You" b/w "That's What You Always Say" (later performed by the Dream Syndicate), which owed much to Joy Division.
Though they were popular with critics, an influence on other musicians, and signed briefly to a major label, The Dream Syndicate were never really commercially successful. They did establish, however, the fan base on which Wynn built his solo career.
Since 1990, Wynn has released a number of albums exploring various musical styles. His first solo album, Kerosene Man, included backing work by bassist Fernando Saunders (a frequent sideman of Lou Reed, to whom Wynn was often compared early in his career), drummer D.J. Bonebrake from the L.A. punk band X, Howe Gelb of Giant Sand and saxophonist Steve Berlin from Los Lobos. Peter Buck, from R.E.M., played on its follow-up, Dazzling Display, and co-wrote the title song. Backing on Melting in the Dark (1996) was provided by the Boston band Come.
Here Come the Miracles (2001) was his best-selling solo album to date, and the best-reviewed, appearing at year's end on numerous critical Top Ten lists.
In 1985, Wynn wrote a collection of songs with Dan Stuart of Green on Red, and recorded and released them as Danny and Dusty. This collaboration was revisited in 2007 for a second Danny & Dusty album. In the '90s he was a part of the indie supergroup Gutterball along with Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders and Brian Harvey and Johnny Hott of House of Freaks. In 2008 Wynn and his wife Linda Pitmon collaborated with Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5) and Peter Buck (R.E.M., The Minus 5) for a record with songs about legendary baseball players - this collaboration is known as The Baseball Project.
The double CD From a Man of Mysteries: A Steve Wynn Tribute was released by the German label Blue Rose in 2004 and features Wynn's songs performed by the likes of Concrete Blonde, the Silos, Chuck Prophet, The Minus 5 and others.
Wynn also records as Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3.
Wynn is at present more popular in Europe than in the United States. While domestic tours are rare, he continues to perform regularly overseas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wynn_%28songwriter%29
Watch Your Step
Steve Wynn Lyrics
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There's been some hard hard truth coming down in your youth.
I'm not the one who's gonna take it to the other side
I'm not about to go and lose it on account of pride
Watch your step
There's been some real double cross mixing down in the sauce
I'm not the one who's looking for an easy out
I'm not someone who's gonna go and get tossed about
I'm not above pouring from the silver spout
Life is cruel
Watch your step
I'm not the one who's gonna take it to the other side
I'm not the one who's gonna lose it on account of pride
I'm not the one who's gonna go and find a place to hide
Life is hard
Watch your step
The lyrics to Steve Wynn's song Watch Your Step convey a sense of caution and awareness in the face of the bad and cruel aspects of life. The first verse refers to negative feelings and harsh truths that have come down from above, possibly indicating a sense of doom or disillusionment with the world. The second verse speaks of double dealings and mixed up loyalties, possibly hinting at a sense of betrayal or dishonesty. Despite all this, the singer maintains a sense of resilience and determination not to succumb to the negative influences around them. They refuse to take the easy way out or compromise their integrity on account of pride, and are not afraid to speak their mind (represented by the silver spout metaphor). The chorus serves as a warning or reminder to stay alert and careful in navigating the challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
There's been some bad bad feelings coming down from the ceiling
There has been negativity and discomfort around, which seems to be descending from above.
There's been some hard hard truth coming down in your youth.
You have been coming to terms with harsh realities since a young age.
I'm not the one who's gonna take it to the other side
I won't be the one to take things to an extreme.
I'm not about to go and lose it on account of pride
I won't let my pride let me lose control.
Watch your step
Be careful.
There's been some bad double dealings and some very funny feelings
Deceit and uncomfortable emotions have been present.
There's been some real double cross mixing down in the sauce
Dishonesty has been lurking beneath the surface.
I'm not the one who's looking for an easy out
I won't be searching for an effortless solution.
I'm not someone who's gonna go and get tossed about
I won't let myself be thrown off course.
I'm not above pouring from the silver spout
I am not too proud to ask for help.
Life is cruel
Life can be harsh.
Watch your step
Be cautious.
I'm not the one who's gonna take it to the other side
I won't let things spiral out of control.
I'm not the one who's gonna lose it on account of pride
I won't let my ego lead me astray.
I'm not the one who's gonna go and find a place to hide
I won't be running away from my problems.
Life is hard
Life can be tough and challenging.
Watch your step
Be vigilant.
Contributed by Kaelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.