Stay Away

Harry T Pope's song 'Stay Away' delves into the emotional turmoil of trying to distance oneself from a toxic relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's struggle to move on from a past lover who has caused significant pain and betrayal. The opening lines, 'I paint a pretty vivid picture of your face / Display the only way to keep you in one place,' suggest an attempt to capture and control the memory of the ex-lover, perhaps as a way to process the hurt and confusion left behind.

The chorus, 'I'm tryna stay away / You promised no more games / I trusted you, and now I'll pay,' highlights the broken promises and the emotional cost of trusting someone who ultimately let them down. The repetition of 'I'm tryna stay away' underscores the difficulty of breaking free from the emotional hold the ex-lover still has. The use of the word 'ricochet' in 'But now those memories ricochet' evokes the idea of memories bouncing back and forth, causing ongoing pain and making it hard to move forward.

As the song progresses, the protagonist takes more definitive steps to sever ties, such as changing locks and burning pictures. The line 'I hate your face and all the fuckin' joy it brings' reveals the depth of their anger and hurt. Despite these efforts, the lingering pain and the contemplation of 'every possibility that could have changed our ways' show that the healing process is ongoing and complex. The song captures the essence of trying to let go of someone who has deeply hurt you, while also grappling with the memories and emotions that continue to resurface.