STAY – The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber

“The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber’s collaboration on “STAY” marks one of the most successful and defining pop tracks of 2021. Released on July 9, 2021, as part of FCK LOVE 3: OVER YOU*, the song quickly skyrocketed to the top of global charts, thanks to its infectious melody, emotionally charged lyrics, and seamless production. A vibrant blend of pop, R&B, and synth-driven beats, “STAY” captivated fans worldwide, proving that both The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber had firmly established themselves as pop powerhouses.

A Collaboration of Two Generations
At its core, “STAY” represents a unique collaboration between two artists at different stages of their careers. The Kid LAROI, whose real name is Charlton Howard, is an Australian rapper and singer who burst onto the music scene with his raw lyrics and catchy tunes. He was still a teenager when he co-wrote “STAY,” bringing a fresh and youthful energy to the track. Bieber, on the other hand, was already a global superstar with over a decade of experience in the music industry. His transition from teen pop sensation to mature artist gave him the versatility to adapt to new sounds, making the collaboration both unexpected and highly anticipated.

The chemistry between LAROI and Bieber is palpable throughout the song. Their voices complement each other perfectly, with LAROI’s passionate delivery blending effortlessly with Bieber’s smoother vocal performance. This synergy is what made “STAY” stand out in a crowded field of pop hits in 2021.

Lyrics: A Tale of Regret and Longing
Lyrically, “STAY” delves into themes of regret, desperation, and longing for a lost relationship. The song captures the turmoil of someone who acknowledges their mistakes but is desperate for another chance to make things right. The chorus, where LAROI sings, “I do the same thing I told you that I never would / I told you I’d change, even when I knew I never could,” reflects the universal experience of being stuck in a cycle of poor decisions, despite wanting to do better.

The raw honesty in the lyrics is one of the reasons the song resonates so strongly with listeners. The idea of wanting to change for someone but feeling helpless against one’s flaws is a relatable theme that many have experienced in relationships. It’s an emotional tug-of-war, where vulnerability is laid bare, and the fear of losing someone forever becomes real.

Bieber’s verse adds depth to the narrative, echoing LAROI’s sentiments of regret and vulnerability. As he sings, “I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey,” the emotional weight of the song intensifies, pulling listeners into the emotional turmoil of the characters portrayed in the lyrics. Bieber’s maturity as an artist allows him to connect with the song’s message on a personal level, further enhancing its emotional resonance.

Production: A Pop Masterpiece
Behind the scenes, the production of “STAY” played a crucial role in its success. The song was produced by Cashmere Cat, Charlie Puth, Omer Fedi, and Blake Slatkin, a team known for their expertise in crafting catchy and polished pop hits. The track is driven by an upbeat tempo and synth-heavy instrumentation, which contrasts with the heavy emotional themes of the lyrics.

The production strikes a delicate balance between a danceable pop hit and a heartfelt ballad. The synths, crisp drums, and vibrant energy give the song a contemporary feel, making it perfect for radio play and streaming platforms. Despite its emotional lyrics, “STAY” never feels too heavy or melancholic, instead maintaining a dynamic pace that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

The blend of electronic elements and traditional pop structures creates an addictive sound that stays with listeners long after the song ends. The song’s brevity also works to its advantage, clocking in at just over two and a half minutes. This tight runtime ensures that the energy never wanes, and the track’s infectious hook gets repeated just enough to become ingrained in listeners’ minds.

Music Video: A Visual Representation of Inner Turmoil
The official music video for “STAY,” directed by Colin Tilley, perfectly complements the song’s emotional and energetic tone. The video begins with The Kid LAROI standing on top of a building in a frozen, motionless city, symbolizing the isolation and emotional paralysis he feels as he pleads for his partner to stay. As the video progresses, LAROI navigates the frozen landscape, with everything around him suspended in time, reflecting the sense of being stuck in a moment of regret.

Justin Bieber’s scenes, meanwhile, show him in a more grounded environment, singing in a brightly lit room, with time resuming its normal flow. The contrast between LAROI’s frantic movements and Bieber’s calmer demeanor creates an interesting visual dynamic, symbolizing the different stages of their emotional journeys.

Throughout the video, the visuals play on themes of chaos and stillness, capturing the tension between wanting to move forward but being held back by one’s mistakes. The use of special effects, including LAROI jumping between rooftops and Bieber’s floating objects, adds a surreal quality to the video, further enhancing the song’s emotional weight.

Commercial Success and Global Impact
“STAY” was an instant commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and dominating charts worldwide. It marked The Kid LAROI’s first number-one hit and became one of Justin Bieber’s many chart-toppers. The song was also a massive hit on streaming platforms, with its catchy melody and emotional depth propelling it to the top of playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

The song’s success was not limited to just commercial charts. “STAY” also became a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok, where its catchy hook and relatable lyrics were used in countless videos, further cementing its place in pop culture.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic
In “STAY,” The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber created a song that perfectly encapsulates the complexities of relationships, regret, and emotional vulnerability, all wrapped in an irresistible pop package. Its infectious melody, heartfelt lyrics, and polished production make it a standout track in both artists’ discographies.

For The Kid LAROI, “STAY” marked a defining moment in his career, establishing him as one of the most promising young artists in the music industry. For Justin Bieber, the song reaffirmed his status as a pop icon capable of evolving with the times while staying true to his artistry.

As a song, “STAY” is not only a commercial juggernaut but also a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant piece of music, one that will undoubtedly continue to captivate listeners for years to come.

I do the same thing I told you that I never would
I told you I’d change, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can’t find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey (oh)
I get drunk, wake up, I’m wasted still
I realize the time that I wasted here
I feel like you can’t feel the way I feel
Oh, I’ll be f- up if you can’t be right here
Oh, ooh-woah (oh, ooh-woah, ooh-woah)
Oh, ooh-woah (oh, ooh-woah, ooh-woah)
Oh, ooh-woah (Oh, ooh-woah, ooh-woah)
Oh, I’ll be f- up if you can’t be right here
I do the same thing I told you that I never would
I told you I’d change, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can’t find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
I do the same thing I told you that I never would
I told you I’d change, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can’t find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
When I’m away from you, I miss your touch (ooh)
You’re the reason I believe in love
It’s been difficult for me to trust (ooh)
And I’m afraid that I’ma f- it up
Ain’t no way that I can leave you stranded
‘Cause you ain’t ever left me empty-handed
And you know that I know that I can’t live without you
So, baby, stay
Oh, ooh-woah (oh, ooh-woah, ooh-woah)
Oh, ooh-woah (oh, ooh-woah, ooh-woah)
Oh, ooh-woah (oh, ooh-woah, ooh-woah)
I’ll be f- up if you can’t be right here
I do the same thing I told you that I never would
I told you I’d change, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can’t find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
I do the same thing I told you that I never would
I told you I’d change, even when I knew I never could
I know that I can’t find nobody else as good as you
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey
Woah-oh
I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey