"STAY" by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber is a heart-wrenching ballad about the complexities of love, regret, and the desperate plea to hold onto a relationship. The lyrics explore themes of self-sabotage, the fear of losing someone you deeply care for, and the yearning for second chances.

Here's a breakdown of the thought process behind the lyrics:

Verse 1 (The Kid LAROI): This verse paints a picture of the singer's self-destructive behavior and the realization of his mistakes. He acknowledges the pain he's causing his partner by his actions ("I get drunk, wake up, I'm wasted still... I feel like you can't feel the way I feel"). The line "I'll be fucked up if you can't be right here" reveals his deep fear of losing her and the devastating consequences it would have on him.

Pre-Chorus (The Kid LAROI): The repeated "Oh, ooh-woah" acts as a desperate plea, highlighting the singer's longing and emotional turmoil.

Chorus (The Kid LAROI): The chorus embodies the core conflict of the song. The singer confesses his inability to change despite his promises ("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"). He recognizes his partner's worth ("I know that I can't find nobody else as good as you") and the fear of losing her ("I need you to stay, need you to stay, hey"). This creates a sense of helplessness and urgency.

Verse 2 (Justin Bieber): Justin Bieber's verse offers a different perspective on the relationship. He expresses his deep love for his partner ("You're the reason I believe in love... I'm afraid that I'm gonna fuck it up"). He acknowledges the vulnerability and trust issues that plague him, revealing the fear of repeating past mistakes. Despite the fear, he asserts his commitment ("Ain't no way that I can leave you stranded... I can't live without you").

Pre-Chorus (Justin Bieber, The Kid LAROI & Both): The pre-chorus reinforces the desperate plea for the partner to stay. The repetition of "Oh, ooh-woah" and "I'll be fucked up if you can't be right here" intensifies the emotional impact and emphasizes the shared yearning.

Chorus (The Kid LAROI with Justin Bieber): The chorus is repeated, showcasing the shared vulnerability and need for reconciliation. Both singers express their dependence on each other and the desperation to hold onto the relationship.

Outro (The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber): The outro is a powerful final plea for the partner to stay, leaving the listener with a sense of yearning and uncertainty about the future of their relationship.

The "STAY" lyrics are powerful because they accurately depict the internal struggles and emotional turmoil that often accompany love and relationships. The raw vulnerability and honesty in the lyrics create a relatable and emotionally resonant experience for the listener.