Stepping Stone – English Lyrics

• By: Duffy

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Duffy's "Stepping Stone" and discover how soulful melodies can carry powerful messages of self-worth and emotional independence. This track is a masterclass in expressing boundaries in English, with poignant lyrics and Duffy's distinctive vocal delivery that make every word resonate. You can learn about expressing strong feelings and setting personal limits through its clear, relatable narrative, making it an ideal song for understanding emotional vocabulary and assertive communication in English.

[English]

I remember way back, way back when

I said I never wanna see your face again

'Cause you were loving, yes you're loving somebody else

And I knew, oh yes, I knew I couldn't control myself

And now they bring you back into my life again

And so I put on a face just like your friends

But I think you know, oh yes, you know what's going on

'Cause the feelings in me, oh yes, in me are burning strong

But I will never be your stepping stone

Take it all or leave me alone

I will never be your stepping stone

I'm standing upright on my own

You used to call me up from time to time

And it would be so hard for me not to cross the line

The words of love lay on my lips just like a curse

And I knew, oh yes, I knew they'd only make it worse

And now you have the nerve to play along

Just like the maestro beats in your song

You got your kicks, you get your kicks from playing me

And the less you give the more I want so foolishly

But I will never be your stepping stone

Take it all or leave me alone

I will never be your stepping stone

I'm standing upright on my own

...

No, I will never be your stepping stone

Take it all or leave me alone

I will never be your stepping stone

I'm standing upright on my own

Never be your stepping stone

Take it all or leave me alone

I will never be your stepping stone

I'm standing upright on my own

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
remember /rɪˈmem.bər/ B1	verb - to recall something from the past
loving /ˈlʌv.ɪŋ/ B2	adjective - showing affection or deep care verb (present participle) - to feel deep affection for someone
control /kənˈtroʊl/ B1	verb - to exercise power over something noun - the power to influence or direct
stepping /ˈstep.ɪŋ/ B1	verb (present participle) - moving by placing one foot after the other
stone /stoʊn/ A2	noun - a hard, solid piece of mineral material
upright /ˈʌp.raɪt/ B2	adjective - standing straight; vertical
alone /əˈloʊn/ A2	adjective - by oneself; without others
burning /ˈbɜːr.nɪŋ/ B2	adjective - very hot; on fire; intense
curse /kɜːrs/ B2	noun - a spell or expression of great displeasure verb - to invoke a curse upon someone
maestro /maɪˈestroʊ/ C1	noun - a distinguished conductor or master of an art
beats /biːts/ B1	noun (plural) - rhythmic sounds or pulses verb (third‑person singular) - to strike repeatedly
foolish /ˈfuː.lɪʃ/ B2	adjective - lacking good sense or judgment
cross /krɔːs/ B1	verb - to go over or through something noun - an intersection of two lines or roads
feelings /ˈfiː.lɪŋz/ B1	noun (plural) - emotions or sensations
nerve /nɜːrv/ B2	noun - courage or audacity; a bundle of fibers transmitting impulses
play /pleɪ/ A2	verb - to engage in an activity for enjoyment