About the song
In the heart of the 1980s, when Bruce Springsteen was at the pinnacle of his career, he released an album that delved deep into the complexities of human relationships. Tunnel of Love was a departure from the anthemic rock anthems that had defined his earlier work, offering a more introspective and vulnerable exploration of love, loss, and the challenges of maintaining connection in a rapidly changing world. One of the standout tracks from this album was “One Step Up”, a poignant ballad that captures the bittersweet nature of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
The song begins with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming, setting a melancholic tone. Springsteen’s vocals, filled with emotion and raw honesty, immediately draw the listener in. The lyrics paint a picture of a couple navigating the ups and downs of their relationship, struggling to maintain their love in the face of life’s challenges. The opening lines, “We’re walking a tightrope, just to stay alive,” convey a sense of precariousness and the constant effort required to keep their love afloat.
As the song progresses, Springsteen delves deeper into the themes of regret, longing, and the fear of losing a loved one. The chorus, “I’m one step up, one step down from the edge of love,” encapsulates the delicate balance between hope and despair that characterizes the relationship. The imagery of being on the brink of a precipice suggests the fragility of love and the constant threat of its demise.
Despite the somber tone, “One Step Up” is not devoid of hope. Springsteen’s voice, though tinged with sadness, also conveys a sense of resilience and determination. The bridge of the song, where he sings, “We’ll find a way to make it through,” offers a glimmer of optimism and a belief in the power of love to overcome adversity.
The song’s popularity can be attributed to its relatable themes and Springsteen’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music. “One Step Up” resonated with audiences of all ages, touching their hearts with its honest portrayal of love’s complexities. It remains a timeless classic, a testament to Springsteen’s songwriting genius and his enduring appeal.
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Lyrics
Woke up this morning my house was cold
Checked out the furnace she wasn’t burnin’
Went out and hoped in my old Ford
Hit the engine but she ain’t turnin’
We’ve given each other some hard lessons lately
But we ain’t learnin’
We’re the same sad story that’s a fact
One step up and two steps back
Bird on a wire outside my motel room
But he ain’t singin’
Girl in white outside a church in June
But the church bells they ain’t ringing
I’m sittin’ here in this bar tonight
But all I’m thinkin’ is
I’m the same old story same old act
One step up and two steps back
It’s the same thing night on night
Who’s wrong baby who’s right
Another fight and I slam the door on
Another battle in our dirty little war
When I look at myself I don’t see
The man I wanted to be
Somewhere along the line I slipped off track
I’m caught movin’ one step up and two steps back
There’s a girl across the bar
I get the message she’s sendin’
Mmm she ain’t lookin’ to married
And me well honey I’m pretending
Last night I dreamed I held you in my arms
The music was never-ending
We danced as the evening sky faded to black
One step up and two steps back