Lyrics of
1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back

1 step forward, 3 steps back by Olivia Rodrigo discusses the insecurities and uncertainties within a relationship, inspired by the toxic cycle and emotional swings that can occur in a romance. The songs composition musically reflects the feeling of moving forward and stepping back in the relationship, highlighted by the song title and lyrics.


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Called you on the phone today
Just to ask you how you were
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 over that kind of stuff

Cuz 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 love me, want me, hate me, boy, I don't understand
No, I don't understand

Maybe in some masochistic way
I kind of find it all exciting
Likе, which lover will I get today
Will you walk me to thе door or send me home crying

It's 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 love me, want me, hate me, boy, I don't understand

No, it's back and forth did I say something wrong
It's back and forth going over everything I said
It's back and forth did I do something wrong
It's back and forth maybe this is all your fault instead

It's one step forward and three steps back
And I'd leave you, but the rollercoaster's all I've ever had
Yeah, it's one step forward and three steps back
Do you love me, want me, hate me, boy, I don't understand
No, I don't understand