Joe Jackson — Steppin' Out
Album: Night and DayAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3775
Length: 4:12
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Now
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the colour 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
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the colour 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
Comments (389)add comment
I remember hearing this for the first time on the radio on a cross country road trip. I thought to myself at the time that the new music was taking on a great direction.
An all-time classic that will still sound just as fresh and urgent 100 years from now, just as it does today 42 years (!!) from when it first came out.
Great song, an MTV staple. Sounds like a bit of reverb on the vocals?
I was a young lad back in the 90s living in London - Stockwell
We were young but we had fun!!
We were young but we had fun!!
Thank you Bill! I really needed to hear a bit of quality 80s tonight.
Joe Jackson is an under appreciated late 70s/mid 80s musical genius.
joko63808 wrote:
Thats with all 80s music…timeless! 😎
OMG this song is 40 years old. But how can that be, it still sounds fresh and delicious?
Thats with all 80s music…timeless! 😎
joko63808 wrote:
I am a little younger than this song and this is how I feel about myself! ;)
OMG this song is 40 years old. But how can that be, it still sounds fresh and delicious?
I am a little younger than this song and this is how I feel about myself! ;)
I have successfully passed on an appreciation for marvelous songs, such as this one, to an 18 yr. old. BOOM *gently punches own shoulder*
Hahahahahahha I cannot get away from this song.
A couple coworkers default to a certain yacht rock playlist with only about 60 songs on it, and it really feels like this one's on there more than once. I only flipped over to RP about 30 minutes ago and here it is again omg.
I'm not even mad, it's just hilarious.
A couple coworkers default to a certain yacht rock playlist with only about 60 songs on it, and it really feels like this one's on there more than once. I only flipped over to RP about 30 minutes ago and here it is again omg.
I'm not even mad, it's just hilarious.
Jelani wrote:
It's like the bass and the drums have this sort of passive locomotion going on...
it's definitely like being on a train.
It's like the bass and the drums have this sort of passive locomotion going on...
it's definitely like being on a train.
Queue wrote:
It's like the bass and the drums have this sort of passive locomotion going on...
I love the undercurrent of motion in this song.
It's like the bass and the drums have this sort of passive locomotion going on...
Es un chingónnnn, Love de bass line
Super fine. Doesn't sound 40yrs old!
Queue wrote:
Me Too!
I love the undercurrent of motion in this song.
Me Too!
Castelfranco wrote:
"Yeah, do something about that Hugh"
Underplayed JJ is, HUGH!
"Yeah, do something about that Hugh"
xcranky_yankee wrote:
He's great live and his band is TIGHT. Like James Brown tight.
Sadly, I just read that he's had to cancel the current tour....very disappointing as he would be worth traveling to see. Hopefully next year?
He's great live and his band is TIGHT. Like James Brown tight.
Steve wrote:
If only Bill would play more of Joe's huge 40 year catalog. 😕
"Beat Crazy" is wholly underrated and under appreciated.
If only Bill would play more of Joe's huge 40 year catalog. 😕
"Beat Crazy" is wholly underrated and under appreciated.
Always loved pretty much every Joe Jackson did, and this is no exception. The video that went with this was nice also.
joko63808 wrote:
Timeless. This song would have been staple in 1930's big-band night clubs.
OMG this song is 40 years old. But how can that be, it still sounds fresh and delicious?
Timeless. This song would have been staple in 1930's big-band night clubs.
This song never ages, still awesome today!!
Best glockenspiel solo.
OMG this song is 40 years old. But how can that be, it still sounds fresh and delicious?
jrwoytek wrote:
Went to the chow in DC - it was fantastic
I get the chow was good, but how was the show??
Went to the chow in DC - it was fantastic
I get the chow was good, but how was the show??
Sadly, I just read that he's had to cancel the current tour....very disappointing as he would be worth traveling to see. Hopefully next year?
This is simply a masterpiece. I never tire of hearing this.
Steve wrote:
If only Bill would play more of Joe's huge 40 year catalog. 😕
I concur, Joe is an incredible musician and is still making incredible music!
If only Bill would play more of Joe's huge 40 year catalog. 😕
I concur, Joe is an incredible musician and is still making incredible music!
joelbb wrote:
If only Bill would play more of Joe's huge 40 year catalog. 😕
This was THE tune of the early-80s for me. The guy's much underrated. I gave it an 8.
If only Bill would play more of Joe's huge 40 year catalog. 😕
garrettb wrote:
I saw him in Phoenix on the "Sing, You Sinners!" tour. Excellent show!
Joe is on tour in the US right now :)
I saw him in Phoenix on the "Sing, You Sinners!" tour. Excellent show!
garrettb wrote:
Went to the chow in DC - it was fantastic
Joe is on tour in the US right now :)
Went to the chow in DC - it was fantastic
Joe Jackson is just absolutely top notch, and this song sounds just as vital forty years later.
Funny, when you look at this particular track on vinyl, you can actually clearly see that insistent bass pattern on the grooves. Not too many songs that you can identify that way. :)
Funny, when you look at this particular track on vinyl, you can actually clearly see that insistent bass pattern on the grooves. Not too many songs that you can identify that way. :)
I know every note on this album.
So, which one of the brothers was he?
I remember when the CD came there were tons of vinyl records almost literally thrown out on the streets, and I picked so many up for free, amongst which this album and it was how I got in to contact with JJ music. I still have it on vinyl and man, I love JJ's music!
Joe is on tour in the US right now :)
This was THE tune of the early-80s for me. The guy's much underrated. I gave it an 8.
Dog howling good - at least my old Samoyed, Ben, did love this song. He'd nerd out in the back seat of the '66 Mustang singing to his heart's delight every time this song came on.
The_Enemy wrote:
I was not there but I remember a friend who went and told me about this. He had never heard of JJ and thought it was funny this "crap guy" got boo'd.
I was listening in disbelief. Back in the day, I thought Joe Jackson was fantastic.
would never have paired Joe Jackson with the Who - both great but for very different reasons/styles
I was not there but I remember a friend who went and told me about this. He had never heard of JJ and thought it was funny this "crap guy" got boo'd.
I was listening in disbelief. Back in the day, I thought Joe Jackson was fantastic.
would never have paired Joe Jackson with the Who - both great but for very different reasons/styles
memoryboxer wrote:
I was not there but I remember a friend who went and told me about this. He had never heard of JJ and thought it was funny this "crap guy" got boo'd.
I was listening in disbelief. Back in the day, I thought Joe Jackson was fantastic.
getting boo'd offstage when opening for The Who at Toronto's CNE in 82
I was not there but I remember a friend who went and told me about this. He had never heard of JJ and thought it was funny this "crap guy" got boo'd.
I was listening in disbelief. Back in the day, I thought Joe Jackson was fantastic.
Brilliant Song ...... 
Saw him in 1982 in Saskatoon., such a great concert. He was drinking in the local bar after the concert.
Epitome of cool! 😎
mrtuba9 wrote:
As a sixth grader listening to WLS from Chicago 300 miles away, I grew to love this song!
Lol! LIke this great album - my first JJ - I hadn't thought about WLS for years. Remember Uncle Larry and snot nosed little Tommy? Wonder where they are today.
As a sixth grader listening to WLS from Chicago 300 miles away, I grew to love this song!
Lol! LIke this great album - my first JJ - I hadn't thought about WLS for years. Remember Uncle Larry and snot nosed little Tommy? Wonder where they are today.
rlr511 wrote:
I fully, fully agree! TV Age is very up to date, I really dig Cancer (oh, that piano!)!
album is sooo old still so good.
I fully, fully agree! TV Age is very up to date, I really dig Cancer (oh, that piano!)!
OMG!! So many memories. Thank you, RP.
one of the best shows I've ever seen. would pay good $ to see him again. band was fantastic.
The Youtube video of this is a true classic. Watched it many times, never tire.
Absolutely marvellous track
rlr511 wrote:
As a sixth grader listening to WLS from Chicago 300 miles away, I grew to love this song!
album is sooo old still so good.
As a sixth grader listening to WLS from Chicago 300 miles away, I grew to love this song!
album is sooo old still so good.
kurtster wrote:
Driving music. Yes. Best kind of music, for me. Into the great wide open !
Amen to all three (related) comments.
Driving music. Yes. Best kind of music, for me. Into the great wide open !
Amen to all three (related) comments.
Castelfranco wrote:
I had JJ on in the car yesterday. My wife said she'd never heard of him, but he sure is easy to listen to. (She was in grad school when JJ was at his peak, and wasn't listening to anything.)
Underplayed JJ is, HUGH!
I had JJ on in the car yesterday. My wife said she'd never heard of him, but he sure is easy to listen to. (She was in grad school when JJ was at his peak, and wasn't listening to anything.)
Sigh. I suspect NYC will be a very different place post-Covid.
!
(edit: looked at my post again, for this great JJ song - I meant:)
!!
(edit: looked at my post again, for this great JJ song - I meant:)
!!
ImaOldman wrote:
Was it during the Laughter and Lust tour? If so, I was waving at you, albeit from cheaper seats!
One of my few front row seat shows was Joe at the Fox in Atlanta, incredible evening.
Was it during the Laughter and Lust tour? If so, I was waving at you, albeit from cheaper seats!
MattRudely wrote:
Who's Hugh?
Hiiiyiiiii will always love Huuugh?
Only Hugh?
Possibly similar to Ruth, Herb or Bert, who are often called upon after an overindulgent Friday or Saturday night, using a great white telephone?
Who's Hugh?
Hiiiyiiiii will always love Huuugh?
Only Hugh?
Possibly similar to Ruth, Herb or Bert, who are often called upon after an overindulgent Friday or Saturday night, using a great white telephone?
Hannio wrote:
Driving music. Yes. Best kind of music, for me. Into the great wide open !
AhhtheMusic wrote:
I agree that the music perfectly captures the feel of freedom that comes from driving with no destination in mind.
Every time I hear this song I think that I am in a car driving....even if I am not paying attention to the words. Just toolin' along having a great day!
I agree that the music perfectly captures the feel of freedom that comes from driving with no destination in mind.
Driving music. Yes. Best kind of music, for me. Into the great wide open !
One of my few front row seat shows was Joe at the Fox in Atlanta, incredible evening.
Castelfranco wrote:
Who's Hugh?
Hiiiyiiiii will always love Huuugh?
Only Hugh?
Underplayed JJ is, HUGH!
Who's Hugh?
Hiiiyiiiii will always love Huuugh?
Only Hugh?
Back to my junior high days listening to 100.5 WYMG "Springfield's Classic Rock!"
One of my fave JJ albums, along w the soundtrack to Mike's Murder. Musically fine and such a wonderful wordsmith.
I've seen him twice - getting boo'd offstage when opening for The Who at Toronto's CNE in 82, and front row center at Vancouver's Orpheum 10 years later - sheer brilliance.
Fave moment from Vancouver - a few songs in a roadie brought a full silver tea service on stage and when the song they'd been playing ended Joe walked over, poured a cuppa, sighed and smiled, and said to us "Not all of us drive our cars into swimming pools".
to think this was a Top Ten hit back then. It wouldn't have a shot today. :-(
He puts on a great live show. Super tight band.
He puts on a great live show. Super tight band.
Some songs are such time machines....this takes me back to the early 80's like it was yesterday.
Queue wrote:
It's that Graham Maby bass line that keeps the current flowing. Always loved his style.
I love the undercurrent of motion in this song.
It's that Graham Maby bass line that keeps the current flowing. Always loved his style.
Joe's jazzy stuff was ok but his real brilliance shone on I'm The Man and in his real estate investing. Interestingly, the chap had his head on straight and invested in distressed London real estate back in the '80s
I love the undercurrent of motion in this song.
Nice! I was listening to a few other tracks off Night and Day recently wondering if RP played any JJ. I thought it fits well. Nice song but I prefer the less commercial ones ... maybe some Jumpin Jive or Fools in Love. Good Work!
ahh, memories of teenage dating - JJ was there, part of our soundtrack.
And what a great soundtrack!!
And what a great soundtrack!!
DrLex wrote:
Indeed, I don't hear him often but those times when I hear something new to me, it always clicks.
Joe is one of the most consistently fine and creative musicians working. Nearly every album takes his music in a different direction. In fact, my only real complaint about Radio Paradise is that Bill plays far too little Joe Jackson!
Indeed, I don't hear him often but those times when I hear something new to me, it always clicks.
Joe is one of the most consistently fine and creative musicians working. Nearly every album takes his music in a different direction. In fact, my only real complaint about Radio Paradise is that Bill plays far too little Joe Jackson!
expatlar wrote:
Indeed, I don't hear him often but those times when I hear something new to me, it always clicks.
It has always seemed to me that Joe Jackson is...overlooked, or underrated. He has put some great bands together, written a lot of good lyrics and made some great music.
Indeed, I don't hear him often but those times when I hear something new to me, it always clicks.
Underplayed JJ is, HUGH!
expatlar wrote:
Very true. Joe Jackson is a musical genius.
It has always seemed to me that Joe Jackson is...overlooked, or underrated. He has put some great bands together, written a lot of good lyrics and made some great music.
Very true. Joe Jackson is a musical genius.
expatlar wrote:
It's certainly underrepresented here.
RP only has 8 cuts from him in the playist.
It has always seemed to me that Joe Jackson is...overlooked, or underrated.
It's certainly underrepresented here.
RP only has 8 cuts from him in the playist.
It has always seemed to me that Joe Jackson is...overlooked, or underrated. He has put some great bands together, written a lot of good lyrics and made some great music.
Bill you just made my week a WHOLE lot better, thank you!
AhhtheMusic wrote:
I agree that the music perfectly captures the feel of freedom that comes from driving with no destination in mind.
Every time I hear this song I think that I am in a car driving....even if I am not paying attention to the words. Just toolin' along having a great day!
I agree that the music perfectly captures the feel of freedom that comes from driving with no destination in mind.
Is this where the beat from Millionaire by Kelis came from?
Agreed!
joetekubi wrote:
joetekubi wrote:
one for the ages. sounds as fresh today as it did in 1983
nutrod42 wrote:
Yes, and an awesome album.
Unmistakable opening beat.
Yes, and an awesome album.
Ooo, I feel kind of moldy - I used to dance to this in clubs! Always fun, though! 
For me, this has always been THE Jackson. Not Michael or Janet. This is music!
Tux, diamonds, limo, NYC - I'm there.
Unmistakable opening beat.
At last (having listened to RP for 18 months) - a Joe Jackson track - more please
With more intuit seems to balance on it's own.
There is always room for Joe Jackson... Sublime.
one for the ages. sounds as fresh today as it did in 1983
With the top down.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
AhhtheMusic wrote:
Every time I hear this song I think that I am in a car driving....even if I am not paying attention to the words. Just toolin' along having a great day!
Every time I hear this song I think that I am in a car driving....even if I am not paying attention to the words. Just toolin' along having a great day!
Every time I hear joe Jackson I am reminded of how much I like him and don't hear enough of him anymore. Thanks
what a great gem to pull out today, thanks Bill!
Lets party...
When you're feeling blue, this is the perfect happy song.
Love the song, the album, and the very talented Joe Jackson.
Takes me back a few tears, to a just-married-pre-kids-summertime-50 lb lighter time. Nice and fresh!
Several years ago, JJ did a guest appearance on WXRT in Chicago and performed this just playing piano, in true ballad style. It was just gorgeous and I regret I have not been able to find a version like that anywhere.
I have always loved this...
treatment_bound wrote:
Don't worry, there aren't any Hall and Oates songs here on RP's playlist.
"Rich Girl", anyone? ANYONE????
"Sara Smile" and "She's Gone" are excellent tunes; they had a few other good ones. Anyhow, this song still sounds great to me - kind of bittersweet memories about that time of my life.
Don't worry, there aren't any Hall and Oates songs here on RP's playlist.
"Rich Girl", anyone? ANYONE????
"Sara Smile" and "She's Gone" are excellent tunes; they had a few other good ones. Anyhow, this song still sounds great to me - kind of bittersweet memories about that time of my life.
A great track for running
Oh thanks! Hadn't heard this gem in a while. love JJ!
Good song to wake up to from a 10 seconds nap at work 
The Fantastic Plastic Machine does a nice, lounge-y cover of this. I love it. I suspect many would not.
Emwolb wrote:
Agree! (The lyrics from the song "TV-age" were very far-sighted those days...)
A perfect song from a perfect album !!
Agree! (The lyrics from the song "TV-age" were very far-sighted those days...)
A perfect song from a perfect album !!
sirdroseph wrote:
Why the hell not? I think they are both great!
I can't go for that. Oh no, No can do!
Why the hell not? I think they are both great!
I can't go for that. Oh no, No can do!
Stranglersfan wrote:
Ah c'mon. Yes its not the greatest JJ track, but please don't utter JJ and Hall and Oats in the same sentence.
Why the hell not? I think they are both great!
Ah c'mon. Yes its not the greatest JJ track, but please don't utter JJ and Hall and Oats in the same sentence.
Why the hell not? I think they are both great!
afrixluvguy wrote:
Don't worry, there aren't any Hall and Oates songs here on RP's playlist.
"Rich Girl", anyone? ANYONE????
Oh this! It's been a while
Hall and Oates next? *mad grin*
Hall and Oates next? *mad grin*
Don't worry, there aren't any Hall and Oates songs here on RP's playlist.
"Rich Girl", anyone? ANYONE????
52 1 votes? Why do people listen to RP when they give this a 1? Go back to listening to chav FM.
Poacher wrote:
hogwash!!!!
Joe - not one to keep opinions to himself
https://www.joejackson.com/smoking.php
You know what? This is really worth reading and adsorbing the implications of what he says. Keep an open mind and try to put away all the 'media' you have been subjected to over the years. . .
https://www.joejackson.com/smoking.php
You know what? This is really worth reading and adsorbing the implications of what he says. Keep an open mind and try to put away all the 'media' you have been subjected to over the years. . .
hogwash!!!!
afrixluvguy wrote:
Ah c'mon. Yes its not the greatest JJ track, but please don't utter JJ and Hall and Oats in the same sentence.
Oh this! It's been a while
Hall and Oates next? *mad grin*
Hall and Oates next? *mad grin*
Ah c'mon. Yes its not the greatest JJ track, but please don't utter JJ and Hall and Oats in the same sentence.
bluejay08003 wrote:
I agree it's not very disco-y. I was responding to several different comments that reference disco in one way or another.
I also saw you responded to my comment on The Decemberists' "Down by the Water." There also I was referring to someone's claim that they had the "Peter Buck jangle" down. I just meant that it really is Peter Buck, not just a tribute. Of course arpeggios are old. I appreciate and respect your musical perspective on the songs! Rock on!
I agree it's not very disco-y. I was responding to several different comments that reference disco in one way or another.
I also saw you responded to my comment on The Decemberists' "Down by the Water." There also I was referring to someone's claim that they had the "Peter Buck jangle" down. I just meant that it really is Peter Buck, not just a tribute. Of course arpeggios are old. I appreciate and respect your musical perspective on the songs! Rock on!
1982
'nuff said
'nuff said
Oh this! It's been a while
Hall and Oates next? *mad grin*
Hall and Oates next? *mad grin*
JJ is a serious musical talent. Love this song - even if it is overplayed at this point.
He released an album back in 2008, RAIN, that was a return to his pop/rock sound and it is awesome.
He released an album back in 2008, RAIN, that was a return to his pop/rock sound and it is awesome.
Proclivities wrote:
That's not really a typical "disco beat" - it's more of a "driving", electronic kind of rhythm, and doesn't accentuate any beat as disco rhythms generally do. Surely, it can be considered an '80s dance beat, but "disco beats" were typified by songs like "Stayin' Alive" or "I Will Survive", and usually featured the "open-high-hat-on-the-upbeat" affect.
Anyhow, as you said, "dated" or not, it's still a good tune.
I agree it's not very disco-y. I was responding to several different comments that reference disco in one way or another.
I also saw you responded to my comment on The Decemberists' "Down by the Water." There also I was referring to someone's claim that they had the "Peter Buck jangle" down. I just meant that it really is Peter Buck, not just a tribute. Of course arpeggios are old. I appreciate and respect your musical perspective on the songs! Rock on!
That's not really a typical "disco beat" - it's more of a "driving", electronic kind of rhythm, and doesn't accentuate any beat as disco rhythms generally do. Surely, it can be considered an '80s dance beat, but "disco beats" were typified by songs like "Stayin' Alive" or "I Will Survive", and usually featured the "open-high-hat-on-the-upbeat" affect.
Anyhow, as you said, "dated" or not, it's still a good tune.
I agree it's not very disco-y. I was responding to several different comments that reference disco in one way or another.
I also saw you responded to my comment on The Decemberists' "Down by the Water." There also I was referring to someone's claim that they had the "Peter Buck jangle" down. I just meant that it really is Peter Buck, not just a tribute. Of course arpeggios are old. I appreciate and respect your musical perspective on the songs! Rock on!
Old,good music...For soul...
Perfect for a Tuesday Python-Coding, Final Project of College-Finishing Afternoon.
Thanks Bill!
Thanks Bill!
bluejay08003 wrote:
That's not really a typical "disco beat" - it's more of a "driving", electronic kind of rhythm, and doesn't accentuate any beat as disco rhythms generally do. Surely, it can be considered an '80s dance beat, but "disco beats" were typified by songs like "Stayin' Alive" or "I Will Survive", and usually featured the "open-high-hat-on-the-upbeat" affect.
Anyhow, as you said, "dated" or not, it's still a good tune.
Great to hear this tune. I don't think I've heard it on RP myself, but judging from the comments I must listen at just the wrong times.
Sure it's got the "dated" synth hook and "disco beat." It was released in 1982! That's just why it stands the test of time for me. It's every bit as "dated" as "Take the A-Train" or "Satisfaction" or how about those loops in "Strawberry Fields Forever" that I could do on my computer. It's a product of its time that still sounds good to me.
Now if you don't like synth hooks or disco beats, sure you might not like it...
Sure it's got the "dated" synth hook and "disco beat." It was released in 1982! That's just why it stands the test of time for me. It's every bit as "dated" as "Take the A-Train" or "Satisfaction" or how about those loops in "Strawberry Fields Forever" that I could do on my computer. It's a product of its time that still sounds good to me.
Now if you don't like synth hooks or disco beats, sure you might not like it...
That's not really a typical "disco beat" - it's more of a "driving", electronic kind of rhythm, and doesn't accentuate any beat as disco rhythms generally do. Surely, it can be considered an '80s dance beat, but "disco beats" were typified by songs like "Stayin' Alive" or "I Will Survive", and usually featured the "open-high-hat-on-the-upbeat" affect.
Anyhow, as you said, "dated" or not, it's still a good tune.
hippiechick wrote:
Ya me too but I really really like it. Wanna dance?
The only JJ song I like
Ya me too but I really really like it. Wanna dance?