Stop And Stare

In 'Stop And Stare,' Joan captures the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of love. The song's protagonist spends his mornings staring out the window, lost in thoughts of his beloved. This imagery sets the tone for the song, highlighting the depth of his feelings and the way his thoughts are dominated by the person he loves. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and contemplation, as he wonders about her loneliness without him, suggesting a deep emotional connection and mutual dependence.

The chorus, with its repeated lines of 'Stop and stare,' emphasizes the paralyzing effect that love has on him. He is so captivated by her beauty and presence that he feels unable to move or go anywhere. This metaphor of being 'stopped' by love illustrates how powerful and consuming his feelings are. The phrase 'You're everywhere' further underscores the idea that she occupies his thoughts constantly, making it impossible for him to escape her influence.

The song also touches on the external perceptions of their relationship, with others viewing them as a 'mess' or 'hopeless.' Despite this, the protagonist's feelings remain unwavering. He is 'crazy' about her, and her beauty 'haunts' him, making it clear that his love is both intense and enduring. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that his love is a constant, unchanging force in his life. Joan's 'Stop And Stare' beautifully encapsulates the mesmerizing and sometimes overwhelming power of love, portraying it as an all-encompassing force that can stop us in our tracks and dominate our thoughts and actions.