The music of The Blue Nile is built heavily on synthesizers and electronic instrumentation and percussion, although later works have featured acoustic guitar more prominently. Despite the "coldness" often associated with the use of such electronic instruments, The Blue Nile has managed to create music that is deeply emotional, and a lot of this has to do with the plaintive vocals of lead singer Paul Buchanan, whom critics have often compared to Peter Gabriel. The lyrics are often stream-of-consciousness descriptions of feelings and environments, which heighten the drama of the compositions, which are as much soundscapes as they are songs.
The band was formed when friends Buchanan and Paul Joseph Moore met Robert Bell shortly after graduating from the University of Glasgow in the late 1970s. Their debut album A Walk Across the Rooftops was the result of a request from the Linn Company to test a newly built recording studio!
The rare, later albums - which include acclaimed titles like Hats (1989) - have been released by the Scottish high end hifi company Linn and feature exceptional sound and production values.
Stay
The Blue Nile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The white situation is over
A new situation begins
Red guitar is broken
To beat the drum of youth again
Take too long to say
Stay, stay, stay and I will understand you
Stay, I will understand you
The love theme for the wilderness
I fit the words together
Candy girls want candy boxes
She loves the musicbox forever
She's crying on my shoulder
Stay, stay, stay and I will understand you
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I will understand you
Summer girls in disarray
Can be so free and easy now
Well, we'll be free and easy
Stay, stay, stay and I will understand you
Stay, I will understand you
I write a new book everyday
A love theme for the wilderness
A love theme
Stay (repeat until fade)
The Blue Nile's "Stay" is a contemplative song that expresses a desire to hold on to love in the face of changing circumstances. The opening lines set the stage for a shift in perspective: "I'm taking off this party hat, the white situation is over, a new situation begins." The party hat serves as a symbol for the singer's willingness to let go of past celebrations and focus on the present moment. The "white situation" could refer to a number of things, but may suggest a time of innocence or naivety that has come to an end. From here, the song turns to the broken "red guitar," which could symbolize a love that has been damaged or lost. Despite this setback, the singer is determined to "beat the drum of youth again," a call to stay young at heart and keep one's spirits up.
The refrain of the song repeats the phrase "stay, stay, stay and I will understand you," emphasizing the importance of holding on to what is good and true in a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable. The idea is that by staying together, the two individuals can weather whatever challenges come their way. This is further underscored by the imagery of writing a "new book everyday" and creating a "love theme for the wilderness." These phrases suggest a willingness to start fresh and find beauty in unexpected places.
The song ends with a repetition of the word "stay," fading out into silence. This could be interpreted as a plea for the listener to hold on to the message of the song, to keep in mind the importance of staying committed to what one loves. Overall, "Stay" is a beautiful and emotional piece of music that speaks to the human desire for connection and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm taking off this party hat
I'm done with the fun and games and ready to move on to something more serious.
The white situation is over
The peaceful, easy times are behind us, and we are entering a more challenging era.
A new situation begins
We are starting a fresh chapter full of unknowns and new possibilities.
Red guitar is broken
The symbol of passion and creativity is damaged, and we may struggle to find our inspiration.
To beat the drum of youth again
We want to rediscover the energy and enthusiasm of our younger selves and relive those days.
Take too long to say
We may struggle to express our feelings and find the right words to convey them.
Stay, stay, stay and I will understand you
Don't leave me, stick around and give me the chance to connect with you and comprehend your emotions.
I write a new book everyday
I am constantly creating and reinventing myself, never content to stay stagnant.
The love theme for the wilderness
I am crafting a new narrative for love and exploring untamed territory.
I fit the words together
I carefully arrange my thoughts and ideas to craft something meaningful and eloquent.
Candy girls want candy boxes
Some people are only interested in superficial, sweet things and don't appreciate deeper meaning.
She loves the musicbox forever
Music holds a special place in her heart and is a constant source of joy and inspiration for her.
She's crying on my shoulder
Someone is vulnerable and seeking comfort and support from me.
Summer girls in disarray
We may feel off-kilter and unfocused, like we are struggling to find our footing.
Can be so free and easy now
If we embrace our difficulties and let go of our worries, we can find peace and freedom in the chaos.
Well, we'll be free and easy
We will overcome our troubles and live life with a carefree, relaxed attitude.
Stay, I will understand you
I promise to listen and empathize with you if you stick around and vocalize your emotions.
A love theme
I am exploring the various aspects of love and searching for deeper meaning in my relationships.
Stay (repeat until fade)
Once again begging someone to stay and work through their difficulties together, with the song ending on this plea.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEROY BELL, CASEY JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Juan Carlos Muñoz Garrigues
I'm taking off this party hat
The white situation is over
A new situation begins
Red guitar is broken
To beat the drum of youth again
Take too long to say
Stay, stay, stay and I will understand you
Stay, I will understand you
I write a new book everyday
The love theme for the wilderness
I fit the words together
Candy girls want candy boxes
She loves the musicbox forever
She's crying on my shoulder
Stay, stay, stay and I will understand you
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I will understand you
Summer girls in disarray
Can be so free and easy now
Well, we'll be free and easy
Stay, stay, stay and I will understand you
Stay, I will understand you
I write a new book everyday
A love theme for the wilderness
A love theme
Stay (repeat until fade)
Humberto Esquivel
Si existe una canción que se pueda considerar perfecta, tal vez esta lo sea, hermosa canción y mejor aún LP.
PB Ancello
I agree.
Perfection.
Steve Diplock
This band must be the most under-rated of all time . Brilliant lyrics.
PB Ancello
Poetry.
MARLON DEL ROSARIO
A true gem from the 80’s classic alternative music. Still bring shivers…
busy earnin ROI
This is one of my all time songs 27 years after hearing it for the first time 'truly loved the blue Nile.
Please do a gig in Ireland soon.
duncan w craig
I was 15. The magic of music. What an album.
Bill McGrath
how did I miss this band during the 80's???? Wow, they are so great!
Eric Bolivar
Guessing that you’re from the USA like me. If I hadn’t been recording randomly off of a college radio station in San Jose, CA (KSJS) I would’ve never heard this either.
Francis Deans
When you hear blue Nile for the first time you will never stop listening to them unique music from Glasgow.