One Step

(J.J. Cale)

One step forward and two steps back

Been carrying them bricks upon my back

Bossman told me you ain't getting paid

'Til the house is built and the bricks are laid

It's made out of wood, made out of stone

I'm building that man a fancy home

That's the way it is let me tell you jack

It's one step forward and two steps back

Working man he got a row to hoe

He's up in the morning and down the road

Carry them bricks and carry that stone

Making that man a fancy home

Rich man he don't work no more

Talks on the phone to his stockbroker

That's the way it is let me tell you jack

It's one step forward and two steps back

Well I'm not a thinking man you see

And I'm not looking for no sympathy

But one of these days I'll get my fill

Be down the road and over the hill

I won't carry them bricks again

And I won't do it for any man

If I use my brain instead of my back

I'll be two steps forward and one step back

That's the way it is let me tell you jack

It's one step forward and two steps back