A Rare Gem From A Rare Woman
I was introduced to one of Aretha Franklin’s greatest songs by my daughter Cassie through the hip-hop mix of Mos Def. Thanks Cassie! The song “One Step Ahead” was on a single released by Columbis Records in 1965. It was the A-side of the single and peaked at #18 on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles charts.
The single was released two years before Aretha achieved stardom when she joined Atlantic Records. “One Step Ahead” was never included on any of her Columbia studio albums, and remains one of her rarest releases.
In 1999, hip-hop producer Ayatollah sampled its chorus for a single he produced for Mos Def. Many have come to the above site from the Mos Def resample. So, thanks to Mos Def for introducing so many of us to one of Aretha’s most powerful and beautiful (and unheard of) songs.
RIP Aretha. You brought so much light into the world.
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“One Step Ahead”
One step ahead of misery
One step is all I have to take
Backwards, to be the same old fool for you
I used to be
I’m only one step ahead of your arms
One kiss away from your sweet lips
I know I can’t afford to stop for one moment
‘Cause I’m just out of reach of your fingertips
Your warm breath on my shoulder
That it’s too soon to forget you
It’s too late to be free, can’t you see?
I’m only one step ahead of your love
I try and yet I can’t take two
Seems like I’ll have to take that one step backwards
‘Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you.
‘Cause one step ahead is a step too far away from you.
Just one step ahead is a step too far away from you.