Stay
J Rice Lyrics


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All along it was a fever
A cold sweat hot-headed believer
I threw my hands in the air, said, "Show me something,"
He said, "If you dare come a little closer."

Round and around and around and around we go
Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.
Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay

It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take – it's given

Round and around and around and around we go
Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.

Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay.

Ooh, ooh, ooh, the reason I hold on
Ooh, ooh, ooh, 'cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving
'Cause when you never see the light it's hard to know which one of us is caving.

Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.




I want you to stay, stay.
I want you to stay, oh.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to J Rice's "Stay" tell the story of an intense and complicated relationship. The opening lines suggest a sense of urgency and passion: "All along it was a fever / A cold sweat hot-headed believer." The "fever" could refer to the passionate intensity of the relationship, or to a physical illness caused by stress or conflict. The lyrics denote a feeling of surrender to fate and an eagerness to experience something new when the singer says, "I threw my hands in the air, said, 'Show me something,' / He said, 'If you dare come a little closer.'"


The chorus, with its repetition of "round and round we go," suggests a circular, unstable nature to the relationship. Despite this instability, the singer is unable to imagine life without their partner: "Something in the way you move / Makes me feel like I can't live without you." The line "It's not much of a life you're living / It's not just something you take – it's given" could be interpreted in different ways. It could be a warning from the singer to their partner, suggesting that they deserve more from life and from the relationship. Alternatively, it could be an acknowledgement that the relationship is not perfect, but that the singer is willing to accept it nonetheless.


The second verse offers more insight into the singer's perspective. They admit to feeling unsure about the relationship, yet unable to let go. The lines "Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving / 'Cause when you never see the light it's hard to know which one of us is caving" suggest a power dynamic in the relationship, with the singer feeling responsible for "saving" their partner despite their own vulnerabilities.


Overall, "Stay" is a song about the complexities and contradictions of relationships. It highlights the intense feelings of attraction and passion that can coexist with uncertainty and doubt. Ultimately, the singer's desire to "stay" with their partner despite these difficulties suggests a deep emotional attachment.


Line by Line Meaning

All along it was a fever
From the beginning, I was consumed by a strong desire for you.


A cold sweat hot-headed believer
I am passionate and driven towards you, even when it's scary.


I threw my hands in the air, said, "Show me something,"
I asked for a sign that our connection was real.


He said, "If you dare come a little closer."
You need to take a risk to see the potential in us.


Round and around and around and around we go
Our relationship is a cycle, but we keep coming back to each other.


Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.
Do you understand what we have is special?


Not really sure how to feel about it.
I am confused and uncertain of my emotions for you.


Something in the way you move
Your presence and actions have a powerful effect on me.


Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
I feel like you are essential to my happiness and well-being.


It takes me all the way.
My feelings for you are intense and all-consuming.


I want you to stay
I want you to continue being a part of my life.


It's not much of a life you're living
Without me, your life is lacking and unfulfilling.


It's not just something you take – it's given
My love for you is freely given and not something to be taken or demanded.


Ooh, ooh, ooh, the reason I hold on
The reason I stay committed to this relationship.


Ooh, ooh, ooh, 'cause I need this hole gone
I need you to fill this emptiness in my life.


Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving
Even though you have struggles and flaws, I am the one who benefits from this relationship.


'Cause when you never see the light it's hard to know which one of us is caving.
In times of darkness and hardship, it's difficult to determine who is the stronger one in this relationship.


I want you to stay, stay.
I want you to continue to be a constant presence in my life.


I want you to stay, oh.
I truly and deeply want you to remain in my life.




Contributed by Austin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

MusicNeverSleeps

always writing hits!!

J Rice

thanks dude!

ss12savannah

Jason you tyler ward and mr rice as well as a few others in that circle always make the best music.

AccordingtoZorn

Love this! Who is this by?

Abhishek Kalasa

j rice

Alfredo Garcia

Hey

Marlene Fanka

This song is very touching...like wow. ❀ his words really connect to my daily life πŸ’Ž

John Gardiner

This is a great song. Lyrics really describe my life 2 years ago. You have amazing vocals.

Mikayla Havermale

This is such a good song!! Once I get money on iTunes, I'm totally getting it! You truly have a gift. ❀☺

ryosukefd

Man I listen to this song top much, it's just a testament to you deserve to be bigger and more noticed. It still blows my mind that this video has such a low view count, this needs to be on the radio and more. Bless you J, and all you music. You rock.

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