Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)

All along, it was a fever A cold sweat, hot-headed believer I threw my hands in the air, said, "Show me something" He said, "If you dare, come a little closer" 'Round and around and around and around, we go Oh, now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know 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 I want you to stay It's not much of a life you're living It's not just something you take, it's given 'Round and around and around and around, we go Oh, now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know 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 Ooh The reason I hold on Ooh 'Cause I need this hole gone Well, funny you're the broken one But I'm the only one who needed saving 'Cause when you never see the light It's hard to know which one of us is caving 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 I want you to stay Stay I want you to stay Ooh

Composer: Justin Parker, Mikky Ekko

In-depth Analysis of 'Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)' by LyricLens AI

Rihanna's "Stay," featuring Mikky Ekko, is a raw and vulnerable ballad exploring the complexities of a love that is both irresistible and deeply troubling. The song captures the internal struggle of wanting to leave a toxic relationship while being powerfully drawn to the partner, a sentiment many can relate to. It paints a picture of intense emotional dependency, where the protagonist acknowledges the partner's flaws ("funny you're the broken one") yet feels an overwhelming need for their presence, confessing, "I'm the only one who needed saving."

Themes Central to 'Stay':

Emotional Turmoil & Addiction: The opening lines "All along, it was a fever, A cold sweat, hot-headed believer" immediately set a tone of intense, almost sickly, obsession. The relationship is a captivating cycle that the singer struggles to break free from.
Vulnerability & Codependency: The core plea, "I want you to stay," despite the obvious pain, highlights a deep-seated fear of abandonment and an inability to function without the other, even when that presence is harmful.
Mutual Brokenness: The lyric "It's hard to know which one of us is caving" suggests a recognition that both individuals in the relationship are wounded, and their brokenness intertwines, making separation incredibly difficult.

The song's power lies in its candid portrayal of a love that defies logic, driven by a profound emotional connection that blurs the lines between desire and despair. It's a testament to the magnetic pull of certain relationships, even when they threaten to consume us.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)'

What is the main message behind Rihanna's 'Stay'?

The song explores the intense, often painful, push and pull of a tumultuous relationship where one person desperately wants their partner to stay, despite the relationship's difficulties and the emotional toll it takes. It touches on themes of vulnerability, codependency, and the struggle to leave a captivating but potentially harmful love.

Who sings 'Stay' with Rihanna?

Mikky Ekko is the male vocalist featured on "Stay." He co-wrote the song with Rihanna and Justin Parker.

What does "it's hard to know which one of us is caving" mean in 'Stay'?

This line suggests a mutual fragility within the relationship. Both individuals are struggling, perhaps giving in to their fears or vulnerabilities, making it difficult to determine who is more emotionally compromised or responsible for the relationship's state. It highlights a shared sense of brokenness and a complex dynamic of blame and need.

Fun Facts:

"Stay" was released in 2012 as the second single from Rihanna's seventh studio album, Unapologetic.
The music video for "Stay" is notable for its simplicity and raw emotion, featuring Rihanna and Mikky Ekko separately in bathtubs, showcasing their vulnerability.
The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top five in many countries and becoming one of Rihanna's most critically acclaimed ballads.