One Step Ahead

Split Enz

About One Step Ahead

"One Step Ahead" is a 1980 song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz from their studio album Waiata. The song continued the group's success in their move towards their own version of new wave rock music that the group had established with their release "I Got You", rating in the top ten charts both in New Zealand and Australia. The video clip for the song was one of the first ever videos screened on MTV. In a documentary for Radio New Zealand, Neil Finn expressed surprise at the song's success, stating that it "hasn't got a proper chorus". After Split Enz's dissolution in 1984, singer Neil Finn continued to perform "One Step Ahead" with his next group Crowded House, in particular, the group performed the song live at their 1987 concert in Daytona known as Spring Break '87. The single's b-side "In the Wars" was recorded in the Waiata recording sessions, however was not originally released as a track on the album, though was later appended as track twelve in the album's 2006 re-release. 


Year:
1981
2:51
78 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

One step ahead of you
stay in motion, keep an open mind
Love is a race won by two
Your emotion, my solitude
If I stop I could lose my head
So I'm losing you instead
Either way I'm confused
You slow me down, what can I do?
There's one particular way I have to choose

One step ahead of you
Always someone makes it hard to move
She says, Boy I want you to stay
But I save it all for another day
If I stop I could lose my head
But I'm ready for romance
Either way I'm confused
I don't know what I'm supposed to do
I can only stay
One step ahead of you

Da, da, da, da, da
Da, da, da, da
Da, da, da, da
Da, da, da, dumb

Stop, I confess sometimes
I don't know where I'm going
Part of me stays with you,
I'm slowing down, what can I do
It's hard to stay one step ahead of you
(Uh huh)

One step ahead of you
Time is running out
Catching up with you
One step ahead of you
When I hold you close
Can I really lose?
One step ahead
Only one step ahead
She's one step ahead of you

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Split Enz

Split Enz were one of the most successful New Zealand musical acts of the 1980s. Formed in the early 1970s and variously featuring Phil Judd and brothers Tim Finn and Neil Finn, the band would go on to achieve chart success in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada ‒ most notably with their 1980 single "I Got You" - and build a cult following elsewhere. Their musical style was eclectic, incorporating influences from art rock, vaudeville, swing, punk, rock, new wave, and pop. Split Enz established a reputation for a highly distinctive visual style, thanks partly to their colourful, offbeat costumes and hairstyles. more »

1 fan

Written by: FINN, RAYNER

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Origin
"One Step Ahead" is a song by Split Enz, a band from New Zealand. They were pioneers in the New Zealand rock scene and enjoyed international success in the 1970s and 1980s.
Album Appearance
The song is part of their 1981 studio album titled "Waiata," also known as "Corroboree" in Australia.
Chart Performance
"One Step Ahead" reached number one in Australia and made it to the top 50 in the UK and Canada, signifying their international acclaim.
Video Artistry
The video for "One Step Ahead" was directed by band member Neil Finn and received positive attention for its creative effects, showing band members "disappearing" and "reappearing."
Popularity
"One Step Ahead" is one of Split Enz' most recognizable and popular songs, often playing on classic rock radio even decades after its release.
Lead Singer
The track was sung by Neil Finn, who later became renowned as the founder and frontman of another famous band, Crowded House.
Writing Credits
Officially, "One Step Ahead" was written by Neil Finn. It was the second song written by him to reach No. 1 in the band's home country.
Unique Style
The song showcases Split Enz' eclectic style that combines elements from various genres, including new wave, art rock, and pop.
Live Performances
"One Step Ahead" remains a fixture in performances by members of Split Enz, particularly Neil Finn, who often includes it in his solo sets.
Cultural Impact
The song's use of a xylophone in the arrangement stood out at the time and made a lasting impression within the broader music industry.

Discuss the One Step Ahead Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "One Step Ahead Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1826057/Split+Enz/One+Step+Ahead>.

    Missing lyrics by Split Enz?

    Know any other songs by Split Enz? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    One Step Ahead

    861.6K
    4,806     148

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who co-wrote and performs the pop hit Fight Song?
    A Ariana Grande
    B Rachel Platten
    C Olivia
    D Billie Eilish

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Split Enz tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    One Step Ahead

    »