Break My Stride

Album: I Don't Speak the Language (1983)
Charted: 4 5
Play Video
  • Last night I had the strangest dream
    I sailed away to China
    In a little row boat to find ya
    And you said you had to get your laundry cleaned
    Didn't want no one to hold you, what does that mean?
    And you said

    Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
    Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no
    I got to keep on movin'
    Ain't nothin' gonna break-a my stride
    I'm running and I won't touch ground
    Oh no, I got to keep on movin'

    You're on the road and now you pray it lasts
    The road behind was rocky
    But now you're feeling cocky
    You look at me and you see your past
    Is that the reason why you're runnin' so fast?
    And she said

    Ain't nothin' gonna break-a my stride
    Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no
    I got to keep on moving
    Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
    I'm running and I won't touch ground
    Oh no, I got to keep on moving

    Never let another girl like you work me over
    Never let another girl like you drag me under
    If I meet another girl like you, I will tell her
    Never want another girl like you, have to say, oh

    Ain't nothin' gonna break-a my stride
    Nobody gonna slow me down
    Oh no (oh no), I got to keep on moving
    Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
    I'm running and I won't touch ground
    Oh no, I got to keep on movin'

    Ain't nothin' gonna break-a my stride
    Nobody gonna slow me down
    Oh no (oh no), I got to keep on moving
    Ain't nothin' gonna break-a my stride
    I'm running and I won't touch ground
    Oh no, I got to keep on movin' (whoa)

    Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
    Nobody gonna slow me down
    Oh no, I got to keep on moving
    Ain't nothin' gonna break-a my stride
    I'm running and I won't touch ground
    Oh no, I got to keep on movin'

    Ain't nothin' gonna break-a my stride
    Nobody's gonna slow me down Writer/s: Greg Prestopino, Matthew Wilder
    Publisher: Audiam, Inc., Downtown Music Publishing, O/B/O DistroKid
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 8

  • Anthony from New JerseyThe song while on the outside appears to be about a lover/friend moving on without Matthew, also has an another not so much known meaning. It’s also about his relationship with his former record label Arista. One of the big wigs there had a habit of commenting on Wilder’s work. He made a note saying, “interesting song, but not a hit!” Which Wilder took offense to so he ditched them and hooked up a friend who founded a new label to record the song, and that as they say was that. Because the song “That was not a hit” wound up being the most popular & well known song of his career. Just shows you how things go. This information I got from the Genius.com website for the lyrics to the song. Go there and you’ll access the story as well as the lyrics. You’re welcome. Cheers!
  • Seventhmist from 7th Heaven"Break-a my stride" was like Men At Work in "Down Under" with "I said 'do you speak-a my language?'"
  • A Person In The World from German from Argentina
    The "a" in break-a is not a correct contraction. It's just a weird lyrical thing. "Break-a" is not correct in any way.
  • German from ArgentinaCan anyone help me with this question? I'm not english speaker, so, What "a" means in "break-a"? Why he use this contraction or whatever? Thanks a lot, I love this page.
    Sorry for my bad english :)
  • Dave from Wheaton, IlSo, Matthew was a TWO-hit wonder!
  • Camille from Toronto, OhHey, it's a great song, moves things along, catchy chorus....
  • Esskayess from Dallas, TxI always wondered how anyone could 'sail away to China' in a rowboat.
  • Jesse from Madison, WiThis is actually a good album. The problem with many singles acts is that the single is great, but the rest of the album sucks. This album is actually good throughout, and the title track is even slightly better than Break My Stride. The name of the album is I Don't Speak The Language. If you see it for a dollar go ahead and buy it. I did, and I'm glad I did! This was a good album that came along at a time when music was turning a corner and artists were trying new things and being daring. Check it out!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Motley Crue

Motley CrueFact or Fiction

Was Dr. Feelgood a dentist? Did the "Crüecifixion" really happen?

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.