15 Sickening Stay Songs, Vol. 1

Reading Time: 17 min read

15 Sickening Stay Songs, Vol. 1 features songs by Al Green, Bee Gees, Omar Apollo, ROSÉ, Rihanna, and Sam Smith.

According to the gospel of Anthony Hamilton, “I will make you stay, baby.” How? “I’ll go down on my knees… I will try everything.” Baby Boy, Tyrese asks and urges her, “Baby, promise you’ll stay, stay / Stay baby, would you just…” Similarly, the late Mac Miller (1992 – 2018) asks, “Will you stay / Just a little while, babe?” The keyword of 15 Sickening Stay Songs, Vol. 1 is obvious, folks – S-T-A-Y, STAY! Also, considering none of the three songs referenced (“Please Stay”, “Stay”, and “Stay”) get the full blurb treatment in this music compendium, there are lots and lots of stay songs. For the first volume, there are 15 intriguing ones by Al Green, Bee Gees, Omar Apollo, ROSÉ, Rihanna, and Sam Smith. So, without further ado, prepare to stay fully engaged while reading and listening to 15 Sickening Stay Songs, Vol. 1!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Bee Gees, “Stayin’ Alive”	2. ROSÉ, “stay a little longer”	3. The Black Keys, “Beautiful People (Stay High)”	4. Zedd & Alessia Cara, “Stay”
5. Kem, “Why Would You Stay”	6. Sam Smith, “Stay with Me”	7. The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”	8. Victor Ray, “Stay For a While”
9. Diplo & HUGEL, “Stay High” (Ft. Julia Church)	10. Eminem, “Stay Wide Awake”	11. Omar Apollo, “Stayback”	12. The Clash, “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
13. Rihanna, “Stay” (Ft. Mikky Eko)	14. Al Green, “Let’s Stay Together”	15. Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, “Stay”

1. Bee Gees, “Stayin’ Alive”

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart // Capitol // 2020

“Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.” Cutting straight to the chase, “Stayin’ Alive” is the quintessential disco song, period. Bee Gees have many, many hits, but none is bigger and more recognizable than “Stayin’ Alive.” The record is an entire vibe and even though it hails from a different music era, it remains fresh and relevant. 

“Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk 

I’m a woman’s man, no time to talk

Music loud and women warm

I’ve been kicked around since I was born.” 

Woo! So, why is “Stayin’ Alive” still ‘alive and well’ today? It’s timeless to the n^thdegree.  The groove is utterly infectious, making you want to get up and dance.  The production (Bee Gees, Karl Richardson, and  Albhy Galuten), idiomatic of disco back when, is slick and impressive, even four decades later.  The falsetto vocals remain ripe, with few other bands rivaling those high-flying head vocals, ha-ha.  Furthermore, what about the personality and the swagger Bee Gees exhibit? There’s no shortage of confidence.  The chorus, of course, is the centerpiece – tuneful and recognizable by those older and younger.  Even so, the bridge – “I’m goin’ nowhere, somebody help me / Somebody help me, yeah” – is sweet in its own right. Wanna know how to write a kick-ass pop record? “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees is an exemplary blueprint. 

“Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother

You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive

Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’

And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive

Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive

Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive.”  

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

2. ROSÉ, “stay a little longer”

rosie // ROSÉ / Atlantic Recording Corporation // 2024

“I can’t stand these four walls without you inside them / Build us a castle, then leave me in silence.” Oh, snap! “Stay a little longer” is the eighth track from rosie, the debut album by “APT” standout ROSÉ. The New Zealand-born, South Korean pop singer and songwriter does not want him to leave. “Stay a little longer, take a little longer / To pack your bags, you’re movin’ too fast,” she sings in the first verse. Uh-oh, sounds like they are breaking up. She continues, “Make me wanna hate you, so I don’t have to miss you / Oh, make a mistake, so someone’s to blame.” Ooh-wee, ROSÉ!

Not only does ROSÉ seem regretful about the current state of things, but she also anticipates and fears the loneliness to come. In the chorus, where once more, she asks him to stay, she asserts, “I’m fragile, I’m speechless, don’t leave me in pieces / Already havin’ enough trouble breathin’.” Damn! The second verse is similar to the first, making her soon-to-be-ex hold off on leaving. ROSÉ wrote this moving, compound duple ballad with Sarah Aarons and producer Andrew Wells. Her voice sounds amazing – authentic, honest, powerful, and sincere. She sings her face off! Initially, a piano ballad, the second verse expands the instrumentation while maintaining an intimate and personal sound. Relatable to the nth degree, “Stay a little longer” marks another stellar moment from rosie.

Appears in :

ROSÉ, stay a little longer: Bangerz N Bopz 42 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

3. The Black Keys, “Beautiful People (Stay High)”

Ohio Players // The Black Keys / Nonesuch // 2024

“All of those beautiful people (Say ‘hey’)!” The Black Keys – Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney – wowed on “Beautiful People (Stay High)” the hella funky promo single from their 2024 album, Ohio Players. Prepare to tap your feet something fierce! “Beautiful People (Stay High)” keeps things brief, clocking in under three minutes. That’s plenty of time for The Black Keys to make our ears perk up. The groove is electrifying – the rhythm section is firmly ‘in the pocket.’ Gotta love the use of distorted guitars, old-school piano, and horns. The duo constructs an awesome blend of retro rock, bluesy, and funky vibes. The riffs, well, they kick ass and take names. Beyond the instrumental skill – Carney’s drumming and Auerbach’s guitaring – Auerbach serves up strong, commanding vocals. “Hard as it’s been, to begin once again,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Just a friend on the wind seekin’ shelter.” Oh my! Furthermore, he gives us no shortage of playful moments: “Nah, nah-nah-nah-nah / Never coming back down.” Woo! The musical high is legit on “Beautiful People (Stay High)”, a must-hear by the beloved Akron duo.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

4. Zedd & Alessia Cara, “Stay”

“Stay” // Interscope // 2017

“All you have to do is stay a minute / Just take your time / The clock is ticking, so stay.” In 2017, Zedd and Alessia Cara joined forces on the enjoyable single, “Stay”. “Stay” commences mysteriously with humming vocals. Soon enough, Cara gets to work, setting up her tale of desire – she simply wants him to stay, even though he’s going. Cara is attached and admits her shortcomings:

“Won’t admit what I already know

I’ve never been the best at letting go

I don’t wanna spend the night alone

Guess I need you…”

While the Grammy winner sounds exceptional on the verses, her bread is buttered on the chorus, excerpted above and continued as follows: “All you have to do is wait a second / Your hands on mine / The clock is ticking, so stay.” Zedd also does his part to make “Stay” terrific. The production plays to Cara’s strengths as an artist, straddling genres. Never overproduced, he has a knack for balance. The effects surrounding the lead vocals, as well as the percussive touches, are top-notch. Both musicians are at their best, creating a magical collaboration.

Appears in :

Stay: 5ive Songs No. 78 (2021)

~ Table of Contents ~

5. Kem, “Why Would You Stay”

Intimacy // Motown // 2010

“There’s a light shinin’ on you / And baby, I’m tremblin’ inside / Loved a woman that I barely knew / I must’ve been outta mind.” Underrated. Kem (Kem Owens) is a class act in the adult contemporary, grown-folks R&B market. His music is refined, sophisticated, and thoughtful. Among his best songs is “Why Would You Stay”, the seventh track from his third studio album, Intimacy (2010). “Why Would You Stay” failed to reach the pop charts (he’s only charted once on the Billboard Hot 100). It did, however, impact the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at no. 17. Notably, Intimacy debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200, his best showing. It was eventually certified gold by the RIAA. Also, despite a lack of pop success for “Why Would You Stay,” he was nominated for two Grammys: Male R&B Vocal Performance and R&B Song. He penned the love song, producing alongside Rex Rideout. The verses are beautifully written, while the chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece:

“Oh, I

I’ll never hurt you again

Girl, I

I know you deserve a better man

Hey, I

I was a fool to ever let you down

So why would you stay?”

Kem delivers an ultra-sincere performance. His vocals are refined and sophisticated to the nth degree. Showing off top-notch musicianship, he ups the ante instinctually, never over-singing. Ultimately, “Why Would You Stay” exemplifies adult contemporary R&B at its finest. The sound and production – keys, rhythm section, and strings – are decadent.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

6. Sam Smith, “Stay with Me”

In the Lonely Hour // Capitol // 2014

Throughout In the Lonely Hour, Academy Award and Grammy-winning nonbinary singer/songwriter Sam Smith dabbles in the plight called love, specifically unrequited love. Openly gay, they imply their sexuality throughout the album. Post-In the Lonely Hour, Smith opened up more about their sexuality. Understanding their perspective fills in the blanks for the listener, revealing a larger significance. The crowning achievement of In the Lonely Hour is “Stay with Me,” which won Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Pop Solo Performance. “Stay with Me” finds Smith’s emotions at an all-time high. At one point, they depict shallow love, singing, “Guess it’s true, I’m not good at a one-night stand / But I still need love cause I’m just a man.” Even so, ultimately, Smith desires something more permanent and meaningful:

“Won’t you stay with me?

‘Cause you’re all I need

This ain’t love, it’s clear to see

But darling, stay with me.”

Smith’s magnificent falsetto, supported by gospel backing vocals, help make “Stay with Me” truly awesome. That said, there’s some controversy with this incredibly successful joint, given its similarities to the 1989 Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers classic, “I Won’t Back Down”. Let’s just say that Petty and co-writer Jeff Lynne now have writing credits on the Smith record.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

7. The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”

***FCK LOVE 3: OVER YOU // Columbia // 2021**

The biggest attraction on F*CK LOVE 3: OVER YOU is undoubtedly “Stay”. The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard) collaborates with Grammy-winning, Canadian mega-pop star, Justin Bieber. This short record is pleasant – a vibe. “Stay” is ‘expensive,’ with a songwriting team comprised of Howard, Bieber, Blake Slatkin, Charlie Puth, Isaac Debon, Cashmere Cat, Michael Mule, Omer Fedi, and Subhaan Rahmaan. Four of those – Slatkin, Fedi, Puth, and Cashmere Cat – also produce. “Stay” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified diamond by the RIAA (11 times platinum).

The results are positive sound sound-wise, with The Kid and Bieber delivering on their respective verses. Vocally, they mesh well with coarser pipes by The Kid and smoother, more chill vocals by Bieber. Thematically, matters of the heart guide both. Howard sums it up on the chorus, asserting, “I know that I can’t find nobody else as good as you / I need you to stay, need you to stay.” Several times, he asserts, “Oh, I’ll be fucked up if you can’t be right here.” Bieber is similarly dedicated, though his dedication is to his wifey. “Stay” is a bop, PERIOD!

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

8. Victor Ray, “Stay For a While”

I Felt (EP) // ZOZO // 2024

“I’ve been making up excuses / Stretching out the truth.” Hmm, why are you telling lies, Victor Ray? “While I’m under your roof to stay the night.” Aww, it’s matters of the heart – infatuation, obsession, and such. On “Stay For a While”, the Ugandan-born, England-raised pop singer/songwriter can’t get enough of her. Honestly, he’s so taken, it seems he’s willing to gladly accept the short end of the stick if it allows him to stay for a while. In the pre-chorus, he admits, “I’ve been in love with a heartbreaker / I know that everything dies later / That’s when they tell me I’m falling deep.” He adds, “I could walk out, and it won’t faze her / She doesn’t know I’m on my knees / That I’d let her walk all over me.” Wow!

Throughout “Stay For a While,” Victor Ray sounds utterly superb. His vocals are steeped in soul. His falsetto is ripe – to die for. His performance feels authentic as he expresses how much he cares for a person who doesn’t share the same level of feelings. In the chorus, he asserts, “Oh, even if you don’t need me around / Could I stay for a while, say for a while? Yeah / Now my secondhand heart has been found / Could I stay for a while, stay for a while?” Ray seems to be begging for her affection. Besides his marvelous voice and accessible, memorable songwriting, the production is sweet too, idiomatic of contemporary R&B. The sound is sensual, smooth, and rhythmic – perfect fuel for his musical fire. All told, ‘the heat is on’ on “Stay For a While”, even if Victor can’t convince her to love him.

Appears in :

Victor Ray, Stay For a While: Midnight Heat 8 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~

9. Diplo & HUGEL, “Stay High” (Ft. Julia Church)

“Stay High” // Higher Ground // 2023

“I gotta stay high all the time / To keep you off my mind.” Julia Church serves as the angelic songstress on “Stay High”, a single credited to DJ/producers Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz) and HUGEL. It should be noted that “Habits (Stay High)” is one of the best-known songs by Swedish pop standout Tove Lo, and she is sampled on “Stay High.” Expectedly, she’s credited as a writer, with some lyrics lifted directly from the original. Both Diplo and HUGEL produce the record alongside Maesic. The DJs kill it on the backdrop as the production is super slick – idiomatic of dance to the nth degree. It’s anchored by an incredible beat with no shortage of stuttering rhythms. Additionally, the keys and synths are lit . Beyond the picturesque instrumental, Church deserves ample credit for her performance. Her vocals are stunning, riding the production like a champ. The lyrics aren’t deep, but that goes with the territory of a dance record. In the verse, she repeats over and over, “Stayin’ in my play pretend, where the fun ain’t got no end / Can’t go home alone again, need someone to numb the pain.” The feeling is relatable if nothing else. All told, “Stay High” is quite the vibe.

Appears in :

Awesome Songs: December 2023

~ Table of Contents ~

10. Eminem, “Stay Wide Awake”

Relapse // Aftermath // 2009

“I see my target, put my car in park / And approach a tender / Young girl by the name of Brenda / And I pretend to befriend her /… You’re the kind of girl that I’d / Assault and rape…” Yikes, yikes, yikes! Who better equipped to capture the pure evil of a serial killer than Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem? Eminem is one of the boldest, most unapologetic rappers to ever do it. That might be an understatement! He is no stranger to referencing serial killers with his 2009 album, Relapse. Relapse features a couple of songs with such references, including “Must Be the Ganja” and the song at hand, “Stay Wide Awake.” Focusing on “Stay Wide Awake,” Ted Bundy (1946 – 1989) seems to be an inspiration.

“Why not try to make your pussy wider

Fuck you with an umbrella

Then open it up while the shit’s inside ya

I’m the kind of guy that’s mild

But I might flip and get a little bit wilder…”

Holy fucking moly! Later, Eminem asserts, “Escaping me, no dice, you see / I might just be Ted Bundy / Or Satan, gee, what a sight to see…” Not only does Eminem suggest we stay wide awake because of Bundy, but he also mentions another depraved, deplorable individual: David Berkowitz, aka Son of Sam (1953 – ).

Appears in :

12 Songs Written About or Inspired by Ted Bundy (2017)

~ Table of Contents ~

11. Omar Apollo, “Stayback”

Apolonio // Warner // 2020

Gifted Mexican American musician Omar Apollo captivates on the short, but sweet and incredibly soulful “Stayback” from his 2020 mini album, Apolonio. The recurring lyric, “I can’t help that you been on my mind, confirms the love-centric nature of the record. 2:40 is ample time for him to provide us with a soulful hit, diving into R&B, alternative R&B, and neo-soul. Amongst the cool sounds are distorted guitar, a rad guitar solo, and a robust bass line. The groove is simple but incredibly effective, anchoring the record down superbly.

Vocally, Omar sounds utterly sublime; he excels in this vibe, without question. His falsetto is ripe, while his playful delivery is incredibly alluring. As far as the songwriting, the catchy chorus is the centerpiece: “You know I been feeling you since way back / But I couldn’t even make the words to say that, say that /…But you could never love me, so stay back, stay back.” He remembers a relationship from the past but also seeks to move past it, having his former lover “stay back.” Essentially, his love issues/pain/plight are our listening pleasure.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

12. The Clash, “Should I Stay or Should I Go”

Combat Rock // Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited // 1982

“Should I stay, or should I go now?” That is a key question for The Clash, an English rock band comprised of the late Joe Strummer (1952 – 2002), Mick Jones (1955 – ), Paul Simonon (1955 – ), and Topper Headon (1955 – ). Among the band’s most beloved songs is “Should I Stay or Should I Go”, the third track on their 1982 multiplatinum, fifth studio album, Combat Rock. In the chorus, Jones, who sings lead on this particular track, continues, “If I go, there will be trouble / And if I stay, it will be double / So come on and let me know.” “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was written by Jones and Strummer. Notably, it peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes “Should I Stay or Should I Go” kick ass and take names? It begins with heavy, hard-rocking guitar and bass riffs. The spirit of rock and roll is written all over it ! It is anchored by a superb groove carried by Topper’s mean drumming. Headon provides a signature groove contrast with the double time feel during the chorus. The songwriting is infectious, with Jones bringing the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies to life. Matters of the heart drive the narrative. “Darling, you got to let me know / Should I stay, or should I go?” Jones asks, continuing in the first verse, “If you say that you are mine / I’ll be here till the end of time.” In the second verse, he asserts, “It’s always tease, tease, tease / You’re happy when I’m on my knees.” The third includes Spanish! “This indecision’s bugging me (Esta indecisión me molesta) / If you don’t want me, set me free (Si no me quieres, librarme).” A rock classic, the brilliance and timelessness of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” speaks for itself.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

13. Rihanna, “Stay” (Ft. Mikky Eko)

Unapologetic // The Island Def Jam Music Group // 2012

“Not really sure how to feel about it / Something in the way you move / Makes me feel like I can’t live without you / It takes me all the way / And I want you to stay.” Stay is the keyword from nine-time Grammy-winning Barbadian R&B/pop artist Rihanna (Robyn Rihanna Fenty). “Stay” is the seventh track from Rihanna’s 2012 multiplatinum album, Unapologetic. A megahit, “Stay” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified diamond by the RIAA (12 times platinum). It’s not all RiRi on “Stay.” The moving piano ballad features Nashville singer/songwriter Mikky Ekko (John Stephen Sudduth) in his breakout song. Ekko, Elof Loelv, and Justin Parker produced it. Notably, the duo was nominated for a Grammy for this performance: Best Pop Duo / Group Performance.

In this piano ballad, Justin Parker accompanies Rihanna and Mikky on piano. Rihanna sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. “All along, it was a fever / A cold sweat, hot-headed believer,” she sings in her verse. As always, she performs expressively with her instantly recognizable pipes. The melodies are stunning, particularly in the crème de la crème, the chorus, excerpted above. As for Mikky Ekko, he sings the brief second verse, second pre-chorus, and second chorus. He complements and contrasts her. “It’s not much of a life you’re living,” he sings, adding, “It’s not just something you take, it’s given.” Word. They both sing the bridge, final chorus, and the outro with impressive chemistry. Undoubtedly, “Stay” is one of the biggest songs of Rihanna’s illustrious career despite its minimalist nature. Notably, it contrasts with many of her poppier, more ornately produced cuts.

Appears in :

Rihanna, Stay (Ft. Mikky Ekko): Bangerz N Bopz 41 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

14. Al Green, “Let’s Stay Together”

Let’s Stay Together // Hi / Fat Possum // 1972

“I’m, I’m so in love with you / Whatever you want to do / Is alright with me.” Cutting straight to the chase, “Let’s Stay Together” is the crowning achievement of Grammy-winning Memphis soul and gospel music icon Al Green (1946 – ). If the legendary musician had never recorded another song, he would have solidified his legacy with this ultra-romantic, unforgettable joint. “Let’s Stay Together” is the opener from his 1972 gold-certified album, also named Let’s Stay Together.

Green wrote the gem alongside Al Jackson, Jr. (1935 – 1975) and Willie Mitchell (1928 – 2010). The platinum-certified single was one of eight top 10 hits by Green. It is his sole number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, Let’s Stay Together (the album) peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200.

Al Green blesses “Let’s Stay Together” with his distinct, once-in-a-lifetime voice. Backed by a sweet, soulful backdrop including a tight rhythm section (Charles Hodges shines on the organ), mean-sounding horns, and lush strings, Green has ample fuel for his fire. The musical arrangement, orchestration, and production are fire, PERIOD! All of the verses are memorable, including the beloved first verse excerpted above. In the second, he asks her to “Let me be the one you come running to / I’ll never be untrue.” In the third and final verse, he’s concerned about breaking up, singing, “Why somebody, why people break up / Oh, turn around and make up, I just can’t see.” He does not want that to happen to them at all. Even with the epic verses, the most epic section of them all is the chorus, where the reverend implores, “Ooh, baby, let’s, let’s stay together / Loving you whether / Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad.” Word. One of the best songs ever, regardless of genre, the magnificence of “Let’s Stay Together” speaks for itself. ICONIC!

Appears in :

Al Green, Let’s Stay Together: Throwback Vibez 74 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

15. Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, “Stay”

Presenting Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs // Universal Digital Enterprises // 1961

“(Stay) Ah, just a little bit longer (Stay) / (Please) Please, please, please / Tell me you’re going to.” Sadly, the R&B world lost a legendary voice in 2024. Maurice Williams is renowned for singing and penning “Stay”. The no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 is attributed to Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs. The sub-two-minute, early R&B/doo-wop gem appeared on the collective’s 1961 album, Presenting Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs. This would be the only significant pop hit for the group. So, what was the inspiration for this song? Teenage love that was upended by a curfew. The fact that Williams’ ‘girlfriend’ couldn’t stay past curfew became a big-time hit.

“Won’t you place your sweet lips to mine? / Won’t you say you love me all of the time?” Short but sweet, “Stay” benefits from its charm. It’s tongue-in-cheek, with infectious, playful lyrics. “Now your daddy don’t mind / And your mommy don’t mind,” Maurice Williams sings, continuing, “If we have another dance, yeah / Just one more (One more time).” He’s responsible for the lead vocals. He gets a lift from the active background vocals by The Zodiacs. Even with Maurice leading the charge, one of the song’s signature moments is the ripe falsetto by Henry “Shane” Gaston as he confidently and dynamically sings, “Oh, won’t you stay / Just a little bit longer.” If nothing else is clear about “Stay”, Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs urged her, “Please, please, please” to S-T-A-Y! This one-hit wonder is one for the ages. Timeless!

Appears in :

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs, Stay: Throwback Vibez 136 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

15 Sickening Stay Songs, Vol. 1 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Capitol, Columbia, Interscope, Motown, Nonesuch, ROSÉ, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, The Black Keys, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Universal Digital Enterprises, Warner, ZOZO; foad shariyati from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

15 Sickening Stay Songs, Vol. 1 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 26, 2025May 26, 2025