13 Steps Lead Down

"13 Steps Lead Down"
Single by Elvis Costello
from the album Brutal Youth
B-side"Do You Know What I'm Saying?"
Released18 April 1994
Genre
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)Elvis Costello
Producer(s)
Elvis Costello singles chronology
"Sulky Girl"
(1994)
"13 Steps Lead Down"
(1994)
"You Tripped at Every Step"
(1994)

"13 Steps Lead Down" is a song written and performed by English new wave musician Elvis Costello that was first released on his fourteenth studio album, Brutal Youth (1994). Written quickly during a day-long session, the song features lyrics referencing El Escorial and the twelve-step recovery movement. The track is one of those on Brutal Youth that features the reunited Attractions, Costello's longtime backing band.

"13 Steps Lead Down" was released as the second single from Brutal Youth, reaching number 59 in the UK. It has since been lauded by critics as a return to his punk origins and it has become a live favorite.