stay done

Tate McRae's song 'stay done' delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, where the lines between love and disdain are blurred. The lyrics express the struggle of wanting to end a relationship that is evidently unhealthy, yet feeling an irresistible pull towards the person. McRae's portrayal of this dynamic is raw and relatable, capturing the essence of a love-hate connection that many listeners may have experienced.

The song opens with a sense of resignation, acknowledging that the relationship has hit rock bottom, yet there's an addictive quality to the highs and lows that keep the narrator coming back. The phrase 'You're dead to most, gotta have sad to me' suggests that the partner is generally seen in a negative light by others, but the narrator is still emotionally invested, even when they're angry. This sets the stage for a narrative of conflict, where the narrator is torn between the rational decision to leave and the emotional inability to stay away.

McRae's use of contrasting imagery, such as being 'best friends and enemies' and the partner being 'good till you're dead to me,' highlights the volatile nature of the relationship. The repetition of 'I just can't stay done with you' emphasizes the cyclical pattern of breaking up and making up, a common theme in relationships where deep connections and toxic patterns coexist. The song resonates with those who have felt stuck in a loop of wanting to move on but feeling incapable of doing so, making 'stay done' a poignant reflection on the struggle to let go of someone who is both a source of comfort and pain.