Stepping Stone

Album: Rockferry (2008)
Charted: 21
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was Duffy's most personal song on the album. She told the Daily Mail February 22, 2008: "I'm trying to tell a certain person how I feel about him. I've had a few boyfriends, but not many."
  • Duffy in The Sun February 29, 2008: "That was written with Steve Booker towards the end of the recording process. I feel very lucky I met him because we wrote this song and 'Mercy.' With 'Stepping Stone,' I had the intention to say something. It's quite personal where other songs are more about storytelling or creating scenarios. I never really use music as a way of communicating my own feelings - I do it because I enjoy music. On this occasion, I abused my authority and let my emotions in. I really love performing it live."
  • Duffy told The Sun how she hooked up with Steve Brooker: "I met Steve because he was living in a flat I went to see when I was looking for somewhere to live in London. At the time, we were pretty much wrapping up the record. I called Jeanette Lee (one of the founders of Rough Trade, who became her manager) and said: 'I've met this guy. Do you think it's a good idea to do some songwriting?' She said: 'It would be good for you to relax and forget about the production of the album and be creative.' Later, I called her back and said: 'You know what, I've got something.' It was quite special to go away from Bernard and Jimmy Hogarth, who I worked with so long over two years, and come back with a strong song. It meant a lot to me. Music has got to be impulsive and open-minded."
  • Duffy told the Metro newspaper that this song is about "unrequited love, unfortunately. He still doesn't know I fancied him so I wrote a song about it."
  • Sophie Muller directed the music video, which follows Duffy anxiously preparing to meet her love interest by trying on several different outfits. Muller also directed Duffy's "Rain On Your Parade."

Comments: 1

  • Ash from Brick, Njflawless!! Absolutely the perfect song for someone who is experiencing something like her! This is basically my story in this song! Simply amazing
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?