Formed in 1984 by high-school friends Sammy Llanas and Kurt Neumann, the Bo… Read Full Bio ↴Formed in 1984 by high-school friends Sammy Llanas and Kurt Neumann, the BoDeans mixed Midwestern roots rock with elements of adult contemporary pop, fashioning a sound that earned critical acclaim during the '80s and commercial recognition during the following decade. Llanas and Neumann fronted the group by sharing vocal and guitar duties, while bassist Bob Griffin and drummer Guy Hoffman populated the rhythm section. Although based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the BoDeans began building an audience 20 miles east in Milwaukee, and their success in that town helped gain them a contract with Slash Records, with manufacturing and distribution handled by Warner Bros.

The BoDeans worked with T-Bone Burnett on their debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, which appeared in 1986 to warm reviews. They recruited another big-name producer, Talking Head Jerry Harrison, to helm 1987's Outside Looking In, which found the band reduced to a trio after the departure of Hoffman. Outside Looking In broke into the Billboard Top 100, and the BoDeans grew their audience by touring alongside U2, appearing on Robbie Robertson's self-titled solo album, and receiving the honor of Best New Band by Rolling Stone magazine. By the time they released their third album, Home, in 1989, keyboardist Michael Ramos and drummer Danny Gayol had joined. This lineup stayed intact for the release of 1991's Black and White, but the BoDeans went without a drummer once again on their next recording, Go Slow Down.

Following the release of a double-disc live album, Joe Dirt Car, the band returned in 1996 with Blend. Around the time of Blend's release, "Closer to Free" -- a song that had originally appeared on 1993's Go Slow Down -- became a hit, due in large part to its exposure as the theme song for the TV show Party of Five. "Closer to Free" eventually cracked the Top 20, becoming the most successful single of the band's career. The BoDeans were arguably more popular than ever, but the band took a break during the late '90s, with both frontmen devoting time to their solo careers.

By 2004, the band had reconvened and signed with a new label, Zoe. Resolution was released that year, followed in 2005 by Homebrewed: Live from the Pabst. Griffin left the group in 2006 and was replaced by Eric Holden, who appeared on 2008's Still. By this point, the bandmates had found a new home on 429 Records, and they remained with that label for the release of Mr. Sad Clown in 2010 and Indigo Dreams in 2011. That same year saw the departure of Llanas, citing "differences of opinion." The band's 11th studio album, American Made, arrived the following year on the band's own Free & Alive label, and was the first with Neumann as sole leader. The BoDeans toured extensively in support of the release, and in 2014 began work on their next studio project. Released in 2015, I Cant Stop featured a new BoDeans lineup anchored by Neumann, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Sam Hawksley, bassist Eric Holden, and drummer Kenny Aronoff, the latter a well-respected journeyman musician who had played on several BoDeans recording sessions in the '90s. In June 2016, the BoDeans brought out a single, "My Hometown," with the release benefiting the Milwaukee County Historical Society. The single was a preview of the group's next album; titled Thirteen, the 11-song set was released in April 2017.

Stay On
BoDeans Lyrics

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I fear, I fear I've gone too far
Yes, I fear I've led you astray
From way back when
Now I feel you again yesterday

And I hope, I hope, I do, I pray
I'm still headed to worlds where I
Intended to be when I could see

With way clearer eyes

'Cause this big, wide, open crazy world
Can get you downhearted
And wondering where you stand or fall
Wondering why try at all

Well, I say stay on, stay on, steady now
Stay on, stay, don't you stray
Stay on, stay on, steady now
Don't you stray

I know, I know this time goes by
With a bleary blink of an eye
But I see, I do, for me and you
Living ends coming true

This big wide, open, crazy world
Can get you downhearted
And wondering where you stand or fall
Wondering why try at all

Stay on, stay on, steady now
Stay on, stay on, don't you stray
Stay on, stay on, steady now

Don't you stray
Don't you stray

Overall Meaning

In the song "Stay On," BoDeans express the fear of having gone too far and led someone astray. The song's narrator is concerned that their actions have caused harm, but they hope to continue on the path they intended before they lost their way. As they reflect on life's unpredictable and at times disheartening nature, they encourage the listener to stay on track, stay steady, and not stray from their dreams and aspirations.

The song's lyrics are contemplative, with a message that can be applied to various aspects of life. The fear of having gone too far and the struggle to stay on course are universal themes that anyone can relate to. The singer recognizes that life can be chaotic and unpredictable, leading one to question their direction and purpose. Still, they encourage the audience to persevere and not give up on their goals. In doing so, the BoDeans deliver a message of hope and perseverance that is both motivating and inspiring.

Line by Line Meaning

I fear, I fear I've gone too far
I am concerned that I have pushed things too far

Yes, I fear I've led you astray
I am worried that I have misled you

From way back when
From a long time ago

Now I feel you again yesterday
I feel connected to you like I did in the past

And I hope, I hope, I do, I pray
I am hopeful and praying for the best

I'm still headed to worlds where I
I am still striving for my goals

Intended to be when I could see
When I had a clear vision of my future

With way clearer eyes
With greater clarity

This big, wide, open crazy world
The world is complicated and unpredictable

Can get you downhearted
It can make you feel discouraged

And wondering where you stand or fall
Questioning your place in the world