Stay Away
Charles Bradley Lyrics
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I don't know why
I'd rather be dead than be uncool
I don't know why
Every line had the rhythms
I don't know why
Let's move, love is blind
I don't know why
Stay, stay away
Stay away, stay away
Oh
Give an inch, take a smile
I don't know why
Fashion shirt, fashion style
I don't know why
Throw it out, keep it in
I don't know why
Help, tap, pull skin
I don't know why
Stay, stay away
Stay away, stay away
Oh
Ooh, ah
Baby
Give an inch, take a smile
I don't know why
Fashion shirt, fashion style
I don't know why
Stay, stay away
Stay away, stay away
Stay away, yeah
Stay away, ooh
Ah
Ah
Ooh, stay away, babe
Don't know, no, no, no, no
Ah
The lyrics to Charles Bradley & the Menahan Street Band's song "Stay Away" are a commentary on societal pressure, conformity, and the importance of being true to oneself. The first verse, "Monkey see, monkey do, I don't know why, I'd rather be dead than be uncool, I don't know why," refers to the way people often blindly follow trends and fads without considering whether they truly align with their own values and beliefs. The repetition of "I don't know why" highlights the mindlessness of this behavior.
The second verse continues this theme, with lines like "Give an inch, take a smile, I don't know why, Fashion shirt, fashion style, I don't know why," suggesting that people can get swept up in the superficial aspects of life without questioning whether they actually bring them joy. The call to action, "Stay away," is a plea to resist these pressures and choose one's own path.
The song's chorus, "Stay, stay away, Stay away, stay away, Oh," creates a haunting, melancholy mood that reinforces the urgency of the message. The repetition of the phrase makes it feel like a mantra or warning, and the inclusion of "Oh" at the end gives it a mournful quality. Overall, "Stay Away" is a powerful reminder to live authentically and not let external pressures dictate one's sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
Monkey see, monkey do
Copying others without thought or reason
I don't know why
Lack of understanding or explanation
I'd rather be dead than be uncool
Preferring death over being unpopular or out of fashion
Every line had the rhythms
Finding harmony in all aspects of life
Let's move, love is blind
Acting impulsively and blindly in matters of the heart
Stay, stay away
Desiring distance or separation from something or someone
Give an inch, take a smile
Expecting something in return for giving a little
Fashion shirt, fashion style
Being obsessed with clothing and appearance
Throw it out, keep it in
Indecisiveness about whether to get rid of something or keep it
Help, tap, pull skin
Making physical or superficial changes to oneself to fit in or be accepted
Ooh, ah Baby
Expressing desire or affection
Stay away, yeah Stay away, ooh Ah Ah Ooh, stay away, babe Don't know, no, no, no, no Ah
Repeating the desire for distance or separation from something or someone
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Charles Bradley, Homer Steinweiss, Leon Michels, Thomas Brenneck
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jasminemoeller9305
Monkey see, monkey do - I don't know why
I'd rather be dead than be uncool - I don't know why
Every line had the rhythms - I don't know why
Let's move, love is blind - I don't know why
Stay, stay away
Stay away, stay away
Give it up, take a smile - I don't know why
Fashion shirt, fashion style - I don't know why
Throw it out, keep it in - I don't know why
Have to have poison skin - I don't know why
Stay, stay away
Stay away, stay away
Give an inch, take a smile - I don't know why
Fashion shirt, fashion style - I don't know why
Stay, stay away
Stay away, stay away
Stay away, yeaaah!
Stay away, ooooooh, aaah
Aaaah, ooh stay away baby
@3WAYSSS
the internet is trash .. this should have millions of hits !
@craigezell4261
3WAYS:Highly agree.
@deftoneslive1174
🤝 ain’t many real ppl out there nowadays brother , what is real will prosper
@AF-we1zc
It's a damn good cover! His other songs/covers just as good?
@UncleWeezy74
Nobody wants anything real anymore
@EfnysYersina
Who cares about other people. Just enjoy the music you like.
@creepyclown3551
Underrated. This is one of those cover songs that are as great as the original.
@TVilaSports
whats is the original song?
@JamtheSignal
@@TVilaSports Nirvana. LOL
@CanadianPlayer1000
@@JamtheSignal lol no it's not. Monkey See - Monkey Do has been around since the 70s