THE MONKEES - (I’M NOT YOUR) STEPPIN’ STONE

Released: November 12, 1966

Charts: US: #20  

“(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, was originally intended for Paul Revere and the Raiders but became a hit for the Monkees. Released in November 1966 as a B-side, it reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the Monkees’ first charting B-side. Featured in early episodes of their TV series, the song tells the story of a man rejecting a manipulative partner who used him to elevate her social status.

Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz sang lead vocals on it and was the only band member to perform on the recording, with session musicians handling the instruments and backing vocals. Early Monkees tracks were mostly recorded by studio players, as the group was originally cast as actors for a TV show about a fictional band. The members pushed to be taken seriously as musicians and began playing their own instruments in 1967. The Monkees toured successfully through 1969 and enjoyed a major revival in 1986 when MTV aired reruns of their show, prompting a reunion and new tours.

Peter Tork highlighted the emotional depth of “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” noting its intensity and substance compared to more lighthearted ‘60s songs, even referencing its punk credibility via the Sex Pistols’ cover. 

The song exists in multiple versions—stereo, single, and mono album—with differences in vocals, fadeouts, and length. Early compilations used the stereo version, but later ones often featured the single version.