The Beths are a New Zealand indie rock/pop band, originally from Auckland, … Read Full Bio ↴The Beths are a New Zealand indie rock/pop band, originally from Auckland, New Zealand that combines energized guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and harmonized backing vocals in their impulsive indie rock. Lead vocalist and guitarist Elizabeth Stokes met guitarist Jonathan Pearce and bassist Benjamin Sinclair while they were all in bands in high school. While playing underground gigs around Auckland, they befriended drummer Tristan Deck, who joined the group in 2019. Their blend of propulsive, sing-along choruses, four-part vocal arrangements, and wry, introspective lyrics has earned them fans around the world, as well as opening slots for indie rock titans like The Breeders, Pixies, Weezer, and Death Cab for Cutie.

Don't Go Away
The Beths Lyrics

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It's been two years since you tapped out
Flew north, left us in the south
And you were scraping your elbows on the walls of this town
It's been two years since you tapped out

But I'm still spending every night
My body turned towards the waterline
When you come back let me know in time

When you're coming back, if you're coming back

Don't go away again (again)
I just wanna be your best friend
Don't go away again (again)
I just wanna be your best friend

Don't go away, don't go away
Don't go away
Don't go away, don't go away
Don't go away

I root for you to aggrandize
Cool view locked upon the prize
Your stomach and eyes always a discrepant size
I'll freeze with fright if you capsize

'Cause I'm still spending every day
My brain calculating the hours away
When you come back this time
Will you stay? If you're coming back
Are you coming back?

Don't go away again (again)
I just wanna be your best friend
Don't go away again (again)
I just wanna be your best friend

Don't go away, don't go away
Don't go away
Don't go away, don't go away
Don't go away

Oh, ooh (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Oh, ooh, oh (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
(Oh)

Don't go away again (again)
I just wanna be your best friend
Don't go away again (again)
I just wanna be your best friend

Don't go away, don't go away
Don't go away, don't go away

Don't go away, don't go away
Don't go away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Beths' song "Don't Go Away" are an emotional plea to someone who left town two years ago. The first verse talks about the person who left, noting that they "tapped out" and "flew north" while leaving those left behind "in the south." The imagery of "scraping your elbows on the walls of this town" suggests that the person was struggling or feeling stuck in the place they left. The chorus then repeats the phrase "Don't go away again" as a plea for the person to come back and stay.

The second verse goes deeper into the singer's feelings, saying that they "root for you to aggrandize" and see the person's potential to succeed. However, there's a sense of fear underlying this hope, as the line "I'll freeze with fright if you capsize" suggests that they're worried the person may encounter difficulties. The verse ends with the singer wondering if the person will stay when they return, adding to the overall sense of uncertainty and longing in the song. The final chorus repeats the main message, with the singer expressing a desire to be the person's best friend.

Overall, "Don't Go Away" captures the pain and longing of missing someone who's left, as well as the fear and uncertainty of whether they'll come back and stay. The chorus's repetition of "Don't go away" highlights the importance of connection and companionship, and the desire to keep those you care about close.

Line by Line Meaning

It's been two years since you tapped out
It's been two years since you left us abruptly

Flew north, left us in the south
You flew north and left us in the south

And you were scraping your elbows on the walls of this town
You felt trapped and stuck in the town

But I'm still spending every night
I still think about you every night

My body turned towards the waterline
I face the water, hoping you'll return by sea

When you come back let me know in time
Please inform me when you plan to return

Don't go away again (again)
Please don't leave again

I just wanna be your best friend
I just want to be close to you

I root for you to aggrandize
I support your growth and success

Cool view locked upon the prize
Focused on achieving your goal

Your stomach and eyes always a discrepant size
You struggle with body image and self-esteem