Stepping Stone

This was Duffy's most personal song on the album. She told the Daily Mail February 22, 2008: "I'm trying to tell a certain person how I feel about him. I've had a few boyfriends, but not many."

Duffy in The Sun February 29, 2008: "That was written with Steve Booker towards the end of the recording process. I feel very lucky I met him because we wrote this song and 'Mercy.' With 'Stepping Stone,' I had the intention to say something. It's quite personal where other songs are more about storytelling or creating scenarios. I never really use music as a way of communicating my own feelings - I do it because I enjoy music. On this occasion, I abused my authority and let my emotions in. I really love performing it live."

Duffy told The Sun how she hooked up with Steve Brooker: "I met Steve because he was living in a flat I went to see when I was looking for somewhere to live in London. At the time, we were pretty much wrapping up the record. I called Jeanette Lee (one of the founders of Rough Trade, who became her manager) and said: 'I've met this guy. Do you think it's a good idea to do some songwriting?' She said: 'It would be good for you to relax and forget about the production of the album and be creative.' Later, I called her back and said: 'You know what, I've got something.' It was quite special to go away from Bernard and Jimmy Hogarth, who I worked with so long over two years, and come back with a strong song. It meant a lot to me. Music has got to be impulsive and open-minded."