Meaning of "Stay" by Pentatonix

The lyrics of "Stay" by Pentatonix explore the theme of clinging to a relationship and the fear of being left alone. The song begins with the anticipation of time passing and hoping that the winds of change will persuade the person to stay. The narrator acknowledges their inability to let go and their reliance on the other person for companionship. They express a desire to stay forever young and resist the concept of growing up. The imagery of living on the sofa, drinking rum and cola, and being underneath the rising sun creates a sense of carefree and youthful joy. The repetition of the line "I could give a thousand reasons why" underscores the narrator's desperation and their attempt to convince the person not to leave. However, despite their efforts, they acknowledge that the person is determined to go. The chorus shifts the focus to the other person, urging them to stay just a minute longer and emphasizing the passage of time represented by the ticking clock. The repetition of the line "All you have to do is stay" reinforces the simplicity of the request, while also revealing the underlying anxiety and vulnerability in the narrator's plea. The second verse changes the perspective and reveals the narrator's own struggle with letting go. They admit their own fear of spending the night alone and their need for the other person's presence. The repetition of the line "I could give a million reasons why" further emphasizes the desperation and longing of the narrator. The song's bridge repeats the chorus, once again stressing the passage of time and the urgency of staying. Overall, "Stay" explores the complexities of relationships, the fear of abandonment, and the desire to hold onto youth and companionship.