The We Were Sharks story is one of tenacity and passion, being told with ca… Read Full Bio ↴The We Were Sharks story is one of tenacity and passion, being told with catchy vocal hooks and crunchy guitar riffs. Since 2011 these Canadians have been dedicating their lives to pumping out tunes and tearing apart highways. With a recently solidified six-man lineup We Were Sharks are poised to pop.

After their debut LP release, Highways, in 2012 the band started gaining national notoriety and laid the foundations of a loyal fan base. Reinforced by their most accomplished work to date, 2015’s Not A Chance EP, which was released through Panic State Records. The record’s single “Bridge Burner” quickly amassed over 1,000,000 plays on Spotify.

Based in Ottawa and collecting members from the far reaches of Eastern Canada, We Were Sharks continue to wield the full-force of Canadian alternative music. Through a penchant for blending melodic harmony with powerful dissonance they continue to produce infectious music. Even though these boys already have a lot of mileage under their belts, their book is far from written.

Stay
We Were Sharks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Feels like I'm running in circles
Stuck on the stairs between stories
I'm tired and I'm bored of the same thing
But I can't stop thinking about a one way ticket out

I don't care if it rains everyday where I'm going
I'd rather have an umbrella than be staring out the window

So tell me
Why I can't live my life this way
And tell me
Why I should stay

Sometimes I feel like a boxer
And I'm just beating myself up
I can't let it be my fault I'm still here
I've been trying for months and failing for years

I just want to get out of this place
I'd hit the road with the change in my pocket
I don't care if it rains everyday
I'd rather have an umbrella than be staring out the window

Maybe years from now I will see you in town
And I'll wonder why I ever tried to listen to ya

And you'll notice me as you try to seem
Better than everything you bet that I would never be

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Stay" by We Were Sharks convey a sense of frustration and a longing for change. The singer expresses feeling trapped and stagnant, as if they are running in circles and stuck between different paths in life. They are tired of the monotony and routine of their current situation, and can't shake the desire for a fresh start represented by a "one way ticket out."

Despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead in this unknown destination, the singer is willing to embrace the change, even if it means facing challenges like constant rain. The metaphor of choosing to have an umbrella rather than passively watching life pass by through a window reflects a desire for agency and action in shaping their own destiny.

The chorus questions the reasons for staying in this state of limbo and dissatisfaction, challenging the status quo and pondering why they should continue on a path that no longer serves them. The repetition of these questions highlights the internal conflict and struggle to break free from the cycle of self-doubt and hesitation.

In the second verse, the lyrics compare the singer's emotional state to that of a boxer, feeling like they are constantly fighting against themselves and unable to break free from their own limitations. Despite their efforts to change and move forward, they feel stuck and unable to escape the rut that they find themselves in.

The bridge looks towards a future where the singer has made a break from the past, reflecting on a potential encounter with someone from their old life. This encounter serves as a reflection on the growth and change that can come from breaking free from limiting beliefs and societal expectations, ultimately asserting their own worth and potential in the face of criticism or doubt. Ultimately, the lyrics of "Stay" speak to the universal struggle of breaking free from limitations and seeking a new path forward towards personal fulfillment and growth.

Line by Line Meaning

Feels like I'm running in circles
It feels like I'm endlessly going around in the same routine without making progress.

Stuck on the stairs between stories
Feeling trapped between different paths or options in life, unable to move forward.

I'm tired and I'm bored of the same thing
I'm exhausted and fed up with the monotony of my current situation.

But I can't stop thinking about a one way ticket out
Despite wanting a change, the idea of leaving everything behind is constantly on my mind.

I don't care if it rains everyday where I'm going
I am willing to face hardships in a new place rather than staying in my current situation.

I'd rather have an umbrella than be staring out the window
I prefer taking action and facing challenges head-on rather than passively watching life go by.

So tell me
Please explain to me

Why I can't live my life this way
Why am I unable to change my life and break free from this pattern?

And tell me
And explain to me

Why I should stay
Give me reasons why I should continue to stay in this situation.

Sometimes I feel like a boxer
At times, I feel like I am my own worst enemy, constantly fighting against myself.

And I'm just beating myself up
I am constantly self-criticizing and holding myself back.

I can't let it be my fault I'm still here
I refuse to accept full responsibility for my current circumstances.

I've been trying for months and failing for years
Despite my efforts to change, I have been stuck in the same place for a long time.

I just want to get out of this place
I desire to escape from my current environment.

I'd hit the road with the change in my pocket
I would leave immediately with whatever resources I have available.

Maybe years from now I will see you in town
Perhaps in the future, I will encounter you in the city.

And I'll wonder why I ever tried to listen to ya
I will question why I ever took your advice or listened to you.

And you'll notice me as you try to seem
You will become aware of me as you try to appear a certain way.

Better than everything you bet that I would never be
Pretending to be superior to everything you thought I could never achieve.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Steve Creaturo, Randy Frobel, Colin Jacques, Josh King, Jason Mooney, Will Plummer, Paul Marc Rousseau

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS