Won't You Stay
Talib Kweli Lyrics

Yeah this is the best part of the trip
The singer believes that the present moment is the best and wants everyone to hold onto something as they embark on an unconventional journey.

We about to take the road less traveled
The singer and his friends are planning to try something unconventional and not followed by most people.

You ain't gotta go home, but you can't stay here
The singer tells someone that they are free to go if they want, but they cannot remain in their present location as there is a different experience waiting.

I get lonelier each time You go away I lose my mind I lay awake til you come and make things right (yeah yeah) I get lonelier each time you go away (come on) So baby, won't you stay with me tonight? (yeah)
The singer confesses to feeling lonely each time someone he loves is away from him. He insists they spend the night together this time around.

There's this lady I'm in love with (yes there is) Living inside this woman unknown But she's scared to let it show I know it sound like some bug shit (yeah it do) It's just she comes with Hang-ups and Insecurities they gotta go She always nervous around me But see this lady inside She's ready to be my baby tonight And ever since this lady found me This woman think I'm dangerous And ain't ready to put her safety aside I try to tell her that I got her back And no matter where we at In our lives I'll treat her like she my girl I asked her "what's wrong with dat?" (what's wrong with dat?) She like "it just ain't right There's so many more women and men in the world" I have to admit the girl got a point (true) Maybe my ambition's made to make me want something I just can't have So now it's time for me to blow this joint I still know I'm in love I just stay focused And true to my path Word
The song tells the story of the singer's hesitation to open up his feelings to a woman he loves who keeps herself hidden out of fear. He reassures her that he has her back and wants to be with her but realizes that she may never take the risk with him. He decides to let her go but stay committed to his path while still harboring his feelings for her.

I got to get away Ladies you ever felt growing away By your man Asking "baby, won't you stay?" He chilling with his crew He should be building with you He got you feeling the blues Cause the children to glue He willing to do Whatever it takes To save 'em From a fate he can't see when he misbehaving Brave men don't let they ladies Raise they children theyself You're so busy trying to save 'em That you're killing yourself With the Stress and strife And the fights and the advice From the ladies of the night Who can't run they own life Up in your air Nothing is fair Why do you care? Why do you always take it there? The crying, the tears You ain't prepared for the jewels That I'm trying to share Flying there Dying inside Hot in the fear The writing is clear On the wall For you to read the sign Ayo the fine is the way we design To be fine But still
The singer talks about a relationship where a man is more focused on keeping his friends and work matters than listening to his partner, leaving them feeling ignored and sad. The singer advises that brave men should not let their ladies suffer alone and save her from her problems. He shares that trying to save someone from things that are out of their control and seeking help from the wrong people can have adverse effects.

Yo You can tell when people wanna spend they life together Despite the weather They treat each other like a treasure Can't fight forever You got to give it up I ain't got a lot of time We got to live it up I make my music like I make my love People use it like they take they drugs In the morning When they waking up This music got me out late but I holla at you when I'm done Don't stay up Will love play with us? It sting like paper cuts Doused in alcohol But if it's real They ain't no greater rush I got faith in us It's only you who really know me I be surrounded by people And still feel lonely
The final verse of the song is an expression of love and desire for relationships. The singer is determined to do all he can to give his attention and attract the love he craves. He likens the music he makes to love and how some people use it to fill the gap in their lives. However, he cannot stay too late because he has to also attend to the ones he loves. He acknowledges that true love might not be devoid of pain, like a paper cut, but still considers it worthwhile. He has faith in relationships and realizes that sometimes the only person who can understand how lonely we get is someone we love.