About the Song
The Monkees – “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”: A Gritty Garage Rock Standout That Showed the Band’s Edge
Released: November 1966 (B-side of “I’m a Believer”)
Written by: Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
Though often remembered for their polished pop and lovable TV personas, The Monkees proved with “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” that they had a grittier, edgier side just beneath the surface. Originally released in 1966 as the B-side to their massive hit “I’m a Believer”, the song quickly gained its own following — becoming a garage rock anthem in its own right and a fan-favorite staple in their live shows.
Written by hitmaking duo Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the track was first recorded by Paul Revere & the Raiders, but it was The Monkees’ version — with Micky Dolenz’s raw, snarling lead vocal — that truly brought it to life. With its chugging rhythm, fuzzed-out guitar riff, and defiant lyrics, “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” felt more like a declaration than a love song.
The song’s message is strikingly bold for its time — the narrator firmly refuses to be used, manipulated, or treated as a fallback. It was a sharp departure from The Monkees’ more innocent early hits and hinted at the band’s growing frustration with being perceived as “manufactured.” It quickly became a symbol of rebellion and self-respect, both within the band’s story and among their fans.
Musically, the song is powered by a gritty garage rock sound — simple but punchy. The drums drive the beat with a relentless pace, while the distorted guitar riff gives the track a dark, infectious edge that separates it from the polished pop of the band’s earlier releases.
Despite being a B-side, “Steppin’ Stone” climbed the charts on its own and remains one of the most enduring and frequently covered Monkees songs. Bands like the Sex Pistols and Minor Threat later recorded their own versions, proving just how far the song’s rebellious energy would travel beyond the ’60s pop scene.
In retrospect, “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” was a turning point — it showed that The Monkees weren’t just about bubblegum charm. They had bite. They had attitude. And they were ready to show the world that they weren’t anyone’s stepping stone — not in music, not in life.