It was the 4th best selling single in the UK in 1992. Billboard Magazine ranked "Stay" as the 45th biggest single of 1992 in the United States. It sold in excess of 500,000 units in both territories.
In 2010, the song was performed on the UK's version of The X Factor by then contestant Cher Lloyd. The single re-entered the UK charts at #12 and the Irish charts at #10.
Stay
Shakespear's Sister Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you're thinking of escape
I'll go anywhere with you
Just wrap me up in chains
But if you try to go alone
Don't think I'll understand
(Stay) Stay with me
In the silence of your room
In the darkness of your dreams
You must only think of me
There can be no in between
When your pride is on the floor
I'll make you beg for more
(Stay) Stay with me
Stay with me
You'd better hope and pray
That you make it safe back to your own world
You'd better hope and pray
That you'll wake one day in your own world
'Cause when you sleep at night
They don't hear your cries in your own world
Only time will tell
If you can break the spell back in your own world
(Stay) Stay with me
(Stay) Stay with me
(Stay) Stay, stay with me, ah-ha
(Stay) Stay, stay, stay, stay, stay
(Stay) Stay with me
The song "Stay" by Shakespear's Sister is a haunting ballad that speaks to the depth of loyalty and devotion in a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and urgency, urging the listener to stay with their partner and not seek an escape from the world. The singer of the song promises to go anywhere with the partner and even be chained up if necessary. However, if the partner decides to leave alone, they won't understand, and the singer wants them to stay with them.
The second verse of the song paints a picture of darkness and solitude as the singer asks their partner to think of them in such a situation. There can be no in-between, and when the partner's pride is on the floor, the singer promises to make them beg for more. The chorus repeats the plea for the partner to stay, and the bridge warns of the dangers of leaving the safety and comfort of the present relationship. Time can only tell if they can break the spell and go back to their own world.
Overall, the song is about the fear of losing someone who is so valuable that you can't bear the thought of them leaving. It's a powerful expression of devotion and love, even in the face of uncertainty, darkness and adversity. The song ends with a desperate plea to 'stay with me, stay with me,' and it's evident that the singer is willing to go to any length to keep the partner by their side.
Line by Line Meaning
If this world is wearing thin
If life is tough and overwhelming.
And you're thinking of escape
And you are considering giving up on life.
I'll go anywhere with you
I'll be a loyal and supportive companion to follow you wherever.
Just wrap me up in chains
Just don't let me go and keep me bound to you.
But if you try to go alone
But if you choose to leave me behind.
Don't think I'll understand
I may not comprehend why you'd leave me behind.
Stay with me, stay with me
Stay by my side and don't abandon me.
In the silence of your room
When you are alone in your thoughts.
In the darkness of your dreams
In the depths of your subconscious when you're asleep.
You must only think of me
Think of me as a source of comfort and safety.
There can be no in between
You must choose to be either with me or without me.
When your pride is on the floor
When you're feeling defeated and humbled.
I'll make you beg for more
I'll help restore your confidence and sense of self-worth.
You'd better hope and pray
Be optimistic that you'll make it through life's challenges.
That you make it safe
That you survive unscathed.
Back to your own world
Return safely to your reality.
You'd better hope and pray
Keep a positive outlook and faith.
That you'll wake one day in your own world
That you'll recover and return to your normal state of mind.
'Cause when you sleep at night
When you're vulnerable and asleep.
They don't hear your cries in your own world
They can't hear your internal struggles and pain.
Only time will tell if you can break the spell
Only time will tell if you can recover from your hardships.
Stay with me, stay with me
Stay by my side and don't leave me.
Stay, stay with me
Please don't go.
Stay, stay, stay, stay, stay
Stay with me, don't leave me.
Stay with me
Stay with me, don't leave me alone.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Siobhan Maire Deirdre Fahey, Marcella Levy, David Allan Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HauntedIsle
I am glad that one of my favorite songs of all time is getting the attention it deserves, thanks Ghost, for bringing these incomparably talented ladies back into the spotlight! ❤️🦇
@jamiedawson7060
Yes yes yes!!! I got super excited to learn Ghost gave it the wonderful metal treatment it deserves. ❤❤❤
@dddjenni
And Patric Wilson who is a phenomenal vocalist
@neuralmute
Now Ghost (and Patrick Wilson!) need to remake this amazing video. They'd do an incredible job of it, too. Maybe as a wink and nod one of the Ghouls or Ghoulettes could play the "dying lover" part out of costume?
@ColdEthyl92
Absolutely. I'm a massive Ghost fan and I didn't think their take brought it justice on my first listen. It has since grown on me but you can't really beat it when the original is one of my favourite songs.
@NicksWidow
I loved this song when it came out and finding out Ghost & Patrick Wilson made a cover made me so happy. It was just what i needed
@rodendsley4401
Even today, 30 years later, this is still a beautiful song.
@AREKHUSAK1
Exactly
@delarossamixes6896
Yes 😊
@SG-sj6cw
No