“Stay, Stay, Stay” is a controversial Taylor song in my carpool. On our drives to and from practice, my friends and I love to blast Taylor, from “Fearless” (Taylor’s Version, of course) to “Look What You Made Me Do,” we’re not picky with our Taylor jams. But, “Stay, Stay, Stay” is a different story. Two of my friends loathe the song and will shoot my friend Maria and me the side-eye when we belt the song out. Here are the reasons that I don’t think “Stay, Stay, Stay” is a song to skip on Red:
- The upbeat melody
I love the cheeriness and peppiness of the melody, and it reminds me a little of an advertising jingle in all the best ways. I can imagine the music as the background to a commercial for something fun and happy, like a makeup brand or baked good.
- The simplicity of the love story
Some of Taylor’s songs tell complicated tales of love like “betty” or “The Story of Us,” but I appreciate the simplicity of the love that Taylor sings about in “Stay, Stay, Stay.” Lyrics like “you took the time to memorize me” and “I’d like to hang out with you for my whole life” illustrate the simple little joys of a relationship.
- The length of the song
Yes, I am so excited for the ten-minute version of “All Too Well,” but I’ll enjoy the three minutes of the “Stay, Stay, Stay” re-record equally. Sometimes, you just don’t have the energy to sing for a whole five (or ten) minutes. Our short drive from the Athletic Center to the dining hall is perfect for “Stay, Stay, Stay,” and another reason why I love the song.
So, if you’re not already a “Stay, Stay, Stay” fan, maybe give it another chance on Taylor’s re-record of Red!