Step By Step
The Alan Parsons Project Lyrics
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I Didn't have the Heart to play
But sooner or later
I'll find a reason to throw it away
Risin' on the crest of a natural wave
That Never seems to break my way
I'm livin' without it
Step by step little by little
Step by step take it line by line
Move move move, move a Little closer
I was Just a runner in a one horse race
Livin' on the don't pass line
Sooner or later
I Got to lose cause I'm wasting my time
Lady luck must have been a wonderful girl
She's never been a Friend of mine
I'm living without her
But I still got that mountain to climb
Step by step little by little
Step by step rake it line by line
Move move move, move a little closer
Step by step the Deal is mine
The lyrics to Step by Step by the Alan Parsons Project speak to the struggle of trying to achieve success in life, but feeling like you're constantly running uphill. The singer describes feeling like a "joker in a serious game" and a "runner in a one horse race", highlighting the overwhelming sense of futility and the lack of control he feels. Despite that, he remains hopeful, knowing that he has to "do something about it" and climb the "mountain" that stands in front of him, step by step.
The chorus builds on this idea, encouraging the listener to take things slowly and steadily. Breaking a big goal into smaller, more manageable pieces can make it feel more achievable, and moving little by little can ultimately get you where you need to go. The repetition of "move move move, move a little closer" creates a sense of urgency and determination, as if the singer is willing himself forward.
Overall, the song is a motivational piece about perseverance and determination, encouraging the listener to keep pushing even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Line by Line Meaning
I was just a joker in a serious game
I didn't take life too seriously and didn't see the point in getting caught up in the games people play.
I didn't have the heart to play
I lacked the motivation or desire to participate in the game.
But sooner or later, I'll find a reason to throw it away
Eventually, I will realize that I need to move on from this game and find a new purpose.
Risin' on the crest of a natural wave that never seems to break my way
I am riding a natural high, but I am not experiencing much success or luck.
I'm livin' without it, but I got to do something about it
I am getting by without the game, but I know I need to take action to change my circumstances.
Step by step little by little, step by step take it line by line, move move move, move a little closer
I need to make slow and steady progress toward my goals, taking things one step at a time and moving closer to my objectives.
I was just a runner in a one horse race, livin' on the don't pass line
I was taking a passive role in life, not really running my own race and just hoping to avoid failure.
Sooner or later, I got to lose cause I'm wasting my time
I will inevitably fail if I keep living this way because I am not actively pursuing anything meaningful.
Lady luck must have been a wonderful girl, she's never been a friend of mine
I have not had much luck in life and success has not come easily to me.
I'm living without her, but I still got that mountain to climb
Even though success has not come easily, I am still determined to climb the mountain and achieve my goals.
Step by step little by little, step by step rake it line by line, move move move, move a little closer, step by step the deal is mine
Through hard work and perseverance, I will achieve my goals, taking small steps toward success each day until I claim what is rightfully mine.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN PARSONS, ERIC WOOLFSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind