1 step forward, 3 steps back
SOUR (Olivia Rodrigo Album) | 2021
Table of Contents
Taylor Inspirations on SOUR
«We interpolated 'New Year’s Day,' which is Taylor’s song off of reputation. I came up with the 'one step forward' concept and I wrote a verse and a chorus. I was in the car on a roadtrip, and when I got home, I decided to sing it over the chords of 'New Year’s Day,' and I think they’re really beautiful chords. I was lucky enough to get that approved, and it’s on the record now, so yeah, it’s a cool thing.»
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor, the Idol
The pair have interacted more in 2021: Olivia and fellow Swiftie-turned-pop star Conan Gray made TikToks in promotion of Fearless (Taylor’s Version). Taylor also sent Olivia a copy of the ring she wore while recording her fourth album, RED (2012). Taylor and Olivia officially met in person at the Brit Awards in May 2021, exchanging handwritten letters and posing for pictures backstage.
Critical Reception
Commercial Performance
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Called you on the phone today
Just asked you how you are
All I did was speak normally
Somehow I still struck a nerve
You got me fucked up in the head, boy
Never doubted myself so much
Like am I pretty? Am I fun, boy?
I hate that I give you power on that kind of stuff
[Chorus]
‘Cause it’s always one step forward and three steps back
I’m the love of your life until I make you mad
It’s always one step forward and three steps back
Do you want me, love me, hate me, boy, I don’t understand
No, I don’t understand
[Verse 2]
Maybe in some masochistic way I kinda find it all exciting
Like which lover will I get today?
You walk me to the door and send me home crying
[Chorus]
‘Cause it’s always one step forward and three steps back
I’m the love of your life until I make you mad
It’s always one step forward and three steps back
Do you want me, love me, hate me, boy, I don’t understand
[Verse 3]
No it’s back and forth, did I say somethin’ wrong?
It’s back and forth, goin’ over everything I said
It’s back and forth, did I do somethin’ wrong?
It’s back and forth, baby, this is all your fault
Instead it’s one step forward and three steps back
And I’d leave you but the roller coaster’s all I’ve ever had
[Chorus]
Instead it’s one step forward and three steps back
And I’d leave you but the roller coaster’s all I’ve ever had
It’s always one step forward and three steps back
Do you want me, love me, hate me, boy, I don’t understand
No, I don’t understand
Artist | Olivia Rodrigo |
---|---|
Album | SOUR |
Released | May 21, 2021 |
Recorded | 2020-2021 |
Genre | Singer-Songwriter |
Length | 2:43 |
Label | Geffen Records |
Songwriters | Olivia Rodrigo Taylor Swift Jack Antonoff |
Producers | Dan Nigro Olivia Rodrigo |
Interpolation | New Year’s Day |