Paul Westerberg (born December 31, 1959) is an American musician from Minne… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Westerberg (born December 31, 1959) is an American musician from Minneapolis, best known as the former lead singer and songwriter of The Replacements, one of the seminal alternative rock bands of the 1980s. Since The Replacements broke up in 1991, Westerberg has recorded several solo albums under his own name as well as the moniker Grandpaboy, and written songs for movies including Singles and Open Season. Westerberg has one son.

Nothing To No One
Paul Westerberg Lyrics

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Just stay where you are
Baby, stay away from me
With your eyes like spark
And my heart like gasoline

Stay where you are
Baby, stay away from me
With your eyes like sparks

And my heart like gasoline

Stay where you are
Baby, stay away from me
With your eyes like sparks
Heart like gasoline

Stay where you are
Baby, stay away from me
With you eyes like sparks
And my heart like gasoline

Your eyes like sparks
My heart like gasoline

Your eyes like sparks
My heart like gasoline

Overall Meaning

In Paul Westerberg's song "Eyes Like Sparks," the singer is conflicted about a woman who has captured his attention. He warns her to stay away from him and keep her distance, despite being drawn in by her eyes "like sparks." The metaphor comparing her eyes to sparks suggests a kind of danger or unpredictability that is at odds with the singer's own unstable emotional state. Likewise, his heart is compared to gasoline, a volatile substance that can ignite at any moment. The repeated refrain of "stay where you are" further underscores the singer's desire to keep a safe distance from this woman who is both alluring and dangerous.

The song could be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the perils of falling in love, particularly when one is not ready for the emotional upheaval that often comes with it. The conflicting imagery of sparks and gasoline symbolizes the passion and intensity of love, but also its potential to cause harm or destruction. The singer's plea for the woman to "stay away from me" may be a protective measure, both for himself and for her.

Line by Line Meaning

Just stay where you are
Please remain wherever you are currently situated

Baby, stay away from me
Please refrain from interacting with me, my dear

With your eyes like spark
Your eyes are bright and shine like small flames

And my heart like gasoline
My heart is highly flammable and can easily ignite

Stay where you are
Please do not move from your current position

Baby, stay away from me
Please do not come closer to me

With your eyes like sparks
Your eyes are electric and ignite a passionate feeling within me

And my heart like gasoline
My heart easily catches fire with passion and emotions

Stay where you are
Please do not move from where you stand

Baby, stay away from me
Please do not approach me

With your eyes like sparks
Your eyes are mesmerizing and mystical