Story Behind The Song
Step Up is either a singer addressing his audience, or a guy challenging his girl to "step up" and go on that wild romantic ride with him. He's telling her that she's not a child any longer and it's time to take a chance on love - or at least his version of it.
Song Description
Step Up was written in the late 70's for an emerging LA-based rock band. The lyrics are intended to be dual purpose; to give the lead singer a message for his audience, but through a story about a guy challenging his girl to "step up" to the challenge of romance. The track features Barney Doyle and Jim Day on guitars, Gary Davidson on bass, and Danny Montgomery on drums. Mark Patterson sings the lead vocal, with Lee Parvin singing backgrounds. Brian Bresnahan plays synthesizer.
| Song Length |
4:05 |
Genre |
Rock - Classic, Rock - Hard Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
In High Spirits, Exultant |
Subject |
Excitement, Courage |
| Similar Artists |
The Who, The Rolling Stones |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1970 - 1979 |
| |
Lyrics
STEP UP
Patterson & Bresnahan © 1979
Why you came is what I never asked you
Why you're here I don't need to know
I think it's clear that love is going past you
And you watch it like a late late show
Well come on and take a look around you
Then look me right in the eyes
I think you'll know that destiny has found you
When the child inside you dies
Chorus:
And we'll step up to the time step up to emotion
Pick up the cue and take your best shot
Step up - I defy you
Now you get to show me just what you've got on your mind
What you need I can never give you
What you've got no man will ever take
You need to know the things I can't teach you
You get to learn by your own mistakes
Well the rules might take a little bending
So get your money and bring it along
There's got to be a happy ending
But then again I can always be wrong
And we'll step up to the time step up to emotion
Pick up the cue and take your best shot
Step up - I defy you
Now you get to show me just what you've got on your mind
Oh show me
Why you came is what I never asked you
Why you're here I already know
Well I hope it didn't go right past you
Or was it just another rock and roll show
Well come on and make the last gesture
Show me how you can move
Make your mark and then you'd better roll on
Don't believe you've got nothing to prove
And we'll step up to the time step up to emotion
Pick up the cue and take your best shot
Step up - I defy you
Now you get to show me just what you've got on your mind
It's about time
Step up
(Repeat)