Sunday Night Serenade: Joe Jackson’s Steppin’ Out (1982)

Lyrics

Now
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the color of the lights that shine
Electricity so fine
Look and dry your eyes

We
So tired of all the darkness in our lives
With no more angry words to say
Can come alive
Get into a car and drive
To the other side

Me babe, steppin’ out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe, steppin’ out
Into the night
Into the light

We
Are young but getting old before our time
We’ll leave the T.V. and the radio behind
Don’t you wonder what we’ll find
Steppin’ out tonight

You
Can dress in pink and blue just like a child
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
We’ll be there in just a while
If you follow me

Me babe, steppin’ out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe, steppin’ out
Into the night
Into the light

Me babe, steppin’ out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe, steppin’ out
Into the night
Into the light
Me babe, steppin’ out
Into the night
Into the light

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: David Ian Jackson
Steppin’ Out lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc

Joe Jackson’s ‘Steppin’ Out’ is a song from the British musician’s fourth studio album of the same name, released in 1982. The track is widely regarded as Jackson’s most successful single and became a staple of his live performances. The upbeat song is filled with catchy guitar riffs and Jackson’s distinctive vocals, climbing to the chorus with the famous lines, “Is she rich? / Is she pretty? / Good in bed?”

Table of Contents

• History of ‘Steppin’ Out’
• Music Video
• Media Coverage

History of ‘Steppin’ Out’

Joe Jackson’s ‘Steppin’ Out’ was released in 1982 as part of his fourth studio album. The song quickly became a fan favorite and a chart-topping hit. Its infectious melody and Jackson’s unique vocals captured the hearts of music lovers around the world.

Music Video

The music video for ‘Steppin’ Out’ features Joe Jackson performing live, surrounded by a visually captivating set of props. The video perfectly complements the song’s upbeat tempo and showcases Jackson’s charismatic stage presence.

Media Coverage

The origins of ‘Steppin’ Out’ have been a topic of interest in the media. Publications like The Wall Street Journal have delved into Joe Jackson’s inspiration for the lyrics, shedding light on the creative process behind this iconic song.

The Video

Joe Jackson’s music video for “Steppin’ Out” released in 1982 can be viewed as a quintessential example of the music video art form of the early 1980s. Jackson, a talented musician and songwriter, had already gained recognition for his unique blend of New Wave, pop, and rock music prior to the release of this song. The music video for “Steppin’ Out” captures the essence of the song’s lyrics, conveying a sense of sophistication, glamour, and yearning for escape.

The video opens with a shot of a bustling city at night, setting the stage for the song’s exploration of urban life and the desire to break free from the confines of everyday routine. As the camera pans through the city streets, we see glimpses of people going about their daily lives, their faces illuminated by the neon lights of the city. The imagery is evocative of the song’s lyrics, which speak of longing for adventure and excitement.

Throughout the video, Jackson is seen walking through the city, his silhouette illuminated by the glow of streetlights. He exudes an air of cool confidence as he navigates the bustling streets, his sharp suit and stylish sunglasses reflecting the song’s themes of sophistication and elegance. The visuals are complemented by the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, creating a sense of energy and momentum that drives the narrative forward.

As the video progresses, we see glimpses of Jackson performing with his band in a dimly lit club, the stage bathed in a wash of blue light. The performance scenes are interspersed with shots of Jackson wandering through the city, his face lit up by the glow of a nearby billboard. The juxtaposition of these two settings creates a sense of contrast, highlighting the tension between the desire for excitement and the comfort of routine.

One of the standout moments in the video comes towards the end, when Jackson is seen dancing on a rooftop overlooking the city skyline. The sweeping shots of the cityscape, illuminated by the lights of the buildings below, provide a sense of grandeur and scale that echoes the song’s lyrics about dreaming of a bigger, brighter future. Jackson’s dance moves are graceful and fluid, mirroring the sense of freedom and liberation conveyed by the music.

The video concludes with a shot of Jackson walking into the distance, his silhouette disappearing into the night. The open-ended nature of the ending serves to reinforce the song’s themes of longing and desire, leaving the viewer with a sense of anticipation and possibility. Overall, the music video for “Steppin’ Out” is a visually stunning and thematically rich exploration of urban life, longing, and the pursuit of freedom.

Joe Jackson’s music video for “Steppin Out” is a masterful example of the art form of the early 1980s. Through its evocative imagery, stylish visuals, and energetic performances, the video captures the essence of the song’s lyrics and themes, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers. Jackson’s talent as a musician and performer shines through in every frame, making this music video a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.