In the years since their original disbanding, the group has reunited in various incarnations, mostly involving Dolenz, Tork and Jones, but not Nesmith. The first reunion began in 1986 and at first featured only Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. Davy Jones joined the others and a new album was released before they split again in 1989.
The next regrouping took place between 1993 and 1997 and featured a new album that included the particpation of all four members. A further reunion between 2001 and 2002, was followed by another reunion in 2011 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the television show. This reunion was cut short before 2011 had ended due to scheduling problems with the anniversary tour.
The unexpected death of Davy Jones at the beginning of 2012 prompted the most recent reunion tour, this time featuring Dolenz, Tork and Nesmith.
Created by producers of a TV series to be an American Beatles, the antics of the Monkees band members on the television series were very reminscent of Beatles' antics in films like 'Help' and 'Hard Day's Night'. Indeed, in songs like 'Forget that Girl...', the band and even the lead singer could sound just like the Beatles. With songs provided by Don Kirshner from such writers as Neil Diamond and Carole King, among others, the Monkees were assured of pop success. However, in the beginning, the four group members were hired only as actors to front the band and to provide the vocals whilst studio musicians recorded the backing music. These recordings were provided by Kirshner. Things changed though after the success of the single Last Train to Clarksville, the first hit, leading to demands that the band play live gigs. Having learned to play the music, the band became angry when the second LP was recorded (by Kirshner) by studio musicians, without their knowledge or musical input. They therefore demanded and obtained control of the music.
Nesmith who revealed that the band did not perform on their records was also instrumental in getting Don Kirshner sacked. the next album Headquarters was recorded by The Monkees alone, using hand picked producer Chip Douglas. While not as successful as their first two albums it made it to number one, only to be replaced a week later by The Beatles' Sgt Pepper album. The Monkees eventually settled on a formula of using their own talents as well as those of studio musicians. After two seasons the network and the group could not reach agreement on the format of a third season and the show was canceled even though the ratings were still high. A feature film named Head co-written by The Monkees, Jack Nicholson and Bob Rafelson) followed.
Peter Tork was the first to leave the band, in 1968, during 1969 The TV show went into Saturday morning reruns and the three remaining Monkees recorded two more albums. in 1969 Nesmith departed and began a serious foray into merging country and rock music. He also eventually developed a format that became MTV. By the way his mother invented a product called Liquid Paper, sold it to the Gillette Company for $47 million dollars then died a year later leaving the money to her only son. The remaining two Monkees Dolenz and Jones recorded one last album named Changes in late 1969.
There has, however, been a resurgent interest in The Monkees' music Rhino Records has been instrumental in restoring all their albums, adding bonus tracks, and equipping them with complementary liner notes and stories.
Davy Jones died on February 29, 2012 in Indiantown, Florida.
Peter Tork died on February 21, 2019, at his home in Mansfield, Connecticut.
Michael Nesmith died on December 10, 2021, in Carmel Valley, California.
DISCOGRAPHY (from www.themonkees.net):
The Monkees (1966)
More of The Monkees (1967)
Headquarters (1967)
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, Ltd. (1967)
The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees (1968)
Head (1968)
Instant Replay (1969)
The Monkees Present (1969)
Changes (1970)
Then & Now...The Best of the Monkees (1986)
Pool It! (1987)
Live 1967 (1987)
Justus (1996)
Good Times! (2016)
Steppin' Stone
The Monkees 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 said, I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone
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 (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
No, girl, I'm not your steppin' stone
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
The Monkees' hit song "Steppin' Stone" is a classic example of a catchy tune with a deeper meaning. It's a tale of a relationship gone sour, where the singer declares emphatically that he refuses to be used and discarded as a mere stepping stone. The opening lyrics - "I'm not your steppin' stone" - set the tone for the entire song. The singer is frustrated with his partner's manipulative behavior as she tries to climb the social ladder, using him however she sees fit.
The second verse suggests that the singer had initially fallen for his partner's carefree and humble nature, evident from the fact that she didn't have any shoes on when he first met her. However, now that she's become "front-page news," she's become increasingly selective about the company she keeps. The singer is keenly aware of her motives and doesn't want to be just another name in her book of who's who.
The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with its repetitive "not your steppin' stone" lyrics, reminding the listener of the singer's obstinate attitude. The bridge section features a funky instrumental, leading back to the chorus with even more fervor.
Line by Line Meaning
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone
I refuse to be used and discarded by you as if I am an object.
You're trying to make your mark in society
You are striving to establish a notable presence in the public domain.
You're using all the tricks that you used on me
You are employing all the deceptions and maneuvers you have previously tried on me.
You're reading all them high-fashion magazines
You are consuming media that celebrates popular fashion and glamour.
The clothes you're wearing, girl, they're causing public scenes
The attire you are wearing is attracting unwanted and salacious attention from observers.
When I first met you, girl, you didn't have no shoes
When we initially encountered each other, you lacked proper footwear.
But, now you're walking around like you're front-page news
Presently, you strut around as if you are featured on the cover of a major publication.
You've been awful careful 'bout the friends you choose
You have been highly selective and cautious with regard to your social acquaintances.
But, you won't find my name in your book of "who's-who?"
However, my name is absent from the list of individuals who are highly regarded or successful.
(No, girl, not me!)
I vehemently deny any association with your exploitative and calculated behavior.
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
I am actively refusing to be a mere tool for your use.
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@eduardspanjer
Im not your steppin' stone (+4 times more)
You're making your mark in society
Using all the tricks that you used on me
All them high fashion magazines
The clothes you're wearin', girl, are causing public scenes
Not your steppin' stone
Not your steppin' stone
One, two, one, two, three, four
Not your steppin' stone (+6 or7 more)
Oh, not your steppin' stone, no, not me
Oh, babe, I'm not your steppin' stone
No babe, I'm not your steppin' stone
Babe, not your steppin' stone, not me
Not your steppin' stone
No babe, I'm not your
Bron: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Bobby Hart / Tommy Boyce
Songteksten voor (Iām Not Your) Steppinā Stone Ā© Screen Gems-emi Music Inc., Cherry Red Songs, Picadilly Music Corp
i copy paste from Google, hmm, what else. is there an other good one too ?
@slint69
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone
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 said, I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone
I-I-I-I-I'm not your steppin' stone
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
Not your steppin' stone
I'm not your steppin' stone
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
No, girl, I'm not your steppin' stone
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
Not your steppin' stone (step-step-steppin' stone)
@owenkwon9751
I was 11 when this came out. Now, Iām 66. Man, time does fly. I remember when all four Monkees were all so young! Three of them are gone. Rip to Davy, Peter, and Michael. All of them are just so talented and made some of the best songs from the 60s!
@danielem0007
I know the feeling....Micky is amazing as are the rest of the group
@michaelmccartin2054
I was a lot younger but I remember this playing on the radio!
@carolmcfadden2913
I remember that time also..at 67 now they were very popular in 1968 when we had soc hops at the community center on Minot AFB
@MrRyomo
ā@@carolmcfadden2913cool cool, nice to hear somebody @ my age kicking back on old school music
@MrRyomo
My fav song.Take the train to Tarksville, don't be slow .
@GjpgrD
This has always been my idea of the quintessential 1960's pop/rock song. It has all the elements of hippie music to me. Just coolness personified. Plus Micky Dolenz is probably the most underrated rock singer of all time. He's frickin' awesome!
@truthseek3017
Not hippie, it is punk music.
@GjpgrD
@@truthseek3017 Hippie punk!
@oolongoolong789
Classic song by The Monkees. Still as fresh as the day it was minted.