Cinderella Stay Awhile
Michael Jackson
A Fairytale Romance: Michael Jackson's 'Cinderella Stay Awhile'
Michael Jackson's 'Cinderella Stay Awhile' is a tender and enchanting love song that draws heavily on the classic fairytale of Cinderella. The lyrics paint a picture of a magical and almost dreamlike romance, where the protagonist pleads with his beloved to stay with him a little longer. The song's narrative is steeped in the imagery of fairytales, with references to the magic slipper and the fear of midnight, which in the Cinderella story, is the time when the magic ends.
The song's protagonist is deeply enamored with his 'Cinderella,' whose smile brings sunbeams and whose presence feels like a fairytale come to life. The repeated plea for her to 'stay awhile' underscores a sense of urgency and fear of losing this magical moment. The lyrics suggest a love that is pure, sweet, and enduring, much like the idealized love found in fairytales. This love is so powerful that it even makes the angels sing, highlighting the almost divine nature of his feelings.
'Cinderella Stay Awhile' also touches on themes of hope and longing. The protagonist is hopeful that the 'magic slipper' will fit, symbolizing his belief that their love is meant to be. However, there is also a palpable sense of longing and fear that the magic will end, and his beloved will disappear. This duality of hope and fear adds depth to the song, making it not just a simple love song, but a poignant expression of the desire to hold onto something beautiful and fleeting.
Michael Jackson's delivery of the song, with his characteristic emotional depth and vocal purity, enhances the fairytale-like quality of the lyrics. His ability to convey both the joy and the vulnerability of love makes 'Cinderella Stay Awhile' a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has ever wished for a fairytale romance.