1 step forward, 3 steps back

“	I really loved that concept of “one step forward, three steps back”—somebody texted it to me once and I was like, “Ooh, that’s really interesting.” I’ve never heard somebody say something like that, so I thought it would be a cool way to describe this toxic, sort of manipulative relationship. But … it can apply to anything, it can apply to any relationship, a friendship, you know, a work relationship. There are so many people who are just wishy-washy and you can sort of get in your head and feel like it’s because of you, but it never is, it’s always them.	”
– Rodrigo on "1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back".

1 step forward, 3 steps back
General information
Artist	Olivia Rodrigo
Release date	May 21, 2021
Genre	Bedroom pop • indie folk
Length	2:43
Album	SOUR
Label	Geffen
Songwriter(s)	Olivia Rodrigo, Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift
Producer(s)	Olivia Rodrigo, Daniel Nigro
SOUR chronology
"drivers license"
"1 step forward, 3 steps back"
"deja vu"
ㅤ⠀ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎‏‏‎Lyric video

"1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back" (stylized in all lowercase) is the fourth track from Olivia Rodrigo's debut studio album, SOUR. It was released on May 21, 2021 through Geffen Records.

Background

The song is about the ups and downs of life and the challenge of navigating relationships with an inconsistent partner.

It contains a slight interpolation of Taylor Swift's track "New Years Day" from her sixth studio album, reputation (2017).

A demo version has confirmed to exist which includes alternative lyrics and only a piano.

Chart performance

"1 step forward, 3 steps back" debuted and peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the chart week of June 5, 2021.

Offical versions

• Album version - 2:44
• Piano based demo - Unknown

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I 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 gave you power over 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 love me, want me, hate me? Boy, I don't understand
No, I don't understand

[Verse 2]
And maybe in some masochistic way
I kind of find it all exciting
Like which lover will I get today?
Will you walk me to the door or send me home cryin'?

[Chorus]
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

[Bridge]
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, maybe, this is all your fault

[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
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

Videos

Olivia Rodrigo - 1 step forward, 3 steps back (Lyric Video)

Olivia Rodrigo - enough for you- 1 step forward, 3 steps back (Seattle) 4K