Released: June 1, 1991

Songwriter: Lamont Dozier Debbie Gibson

Producer: Jellybean

[Intro]:
Watch it
Watch it
Watch it!
Go!

Always gotta be one step ahead
You know where you're lying
When you make your own bed
You'll never end up in the red
So watch your step
One step ahead

Energy up!
Bring the energy up!
On the double

[Verse 1:]
Stepping on toes is a common routine
Sneaking up from behind
You won't get anywhere
Dancing out of time

If you're living up to expectations
You may as well be dead
Gotta go for it
Gotta go for it
Always gotta be one step ahead
So

[Chorus:]
Don't calm down
Bring the energy up
Don't depend on lady luck

Can't walk
You just run instead
If you want to be one step ahead

[Verse 2:]
Look over your shoulder
And predict what's to come
You're not feeling life
If you're simply numb

So don't be dumb
Grab the brass ring
You really can't depend on anything
Gotta make it happen all by yourself
Why rely on anyone else?
So

[Repeat Chorus x2:]

[Bridge:]
This dream is holding me tight
Keeping me up all night
Oh
It's not out of reach
Just out of sight

Do you think I'll get it?
Think I may
Say I might
Oh

This dream is holding me tight
Keeping me tossing and turning
It's not out of reach
Just out of sight

Do you think I'll get it?
With the way I'm burning
I just might!

It's time to rap
Huh!

Always gotta be one step ahead
You know where you're lying
When you make your own bed
You'll never end up in the red
So watch it!

Don't calm down
Bring the energy up
You gotta go for it, go for it, go for it
Don't calm down
Bring the energy up
You gotta go for it, go for it, go for it
Don't calm down
Bring the energy up
(You gotta go for it, go for it, go for it)

Are you listening?
Don't calm down
Bring the energy up
(You gotta go for it, go for it, go for it)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!

Don't calm down
Bring the energy up
Don't depend on lady luck
Can't walk
Gonna run instead
If you want to be one step ahead
(I know you do, huh)

(Don't calm down, bring the energy up)
You gotta be one step ahead
If you know what's good for you
If you know what's good for you
(Don't calm down, bring the energy up)

Don't
No
Why rely on lady luck?
Don't calm down
Bring the energy up!

Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson was born Deborah Ann Gibson on August 31, 1970. She is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. As an actress, she prefers to use her birth name, Deborah.