About the song
“Stay” by Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs. Now there’s a song that takes you right back, isn’t it? It’s a perfect little time capsule of early 1960s doo-wop, brimming with youthful longing and that irresistible, innocent charm that defined the era. Clocking in at a mere one minute and 38 seconds, it’s a testament to the power of brevity – a fleeting burst of pure musical energy that leaves you wanting more.
Maurice Williams, the man behind this gem, penned the song when he was just a teenager. Imagine that! He reportedly wrote it in a fit of inspiration, trying to convince his girlfriend’s father to let her stay out a little longer past her curfew. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That youthful desire to stretch time, to savor those precious moments with someone special. And Williams captured that feeling perfectly in this song.
Released in 1960, “Stay” became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying its place in music history. But its influence didn’t stop there. Over the years, “Stay” has been covered by a diverse range of artists, from the British Invasion icons The Hollies to the pop-rock powerhouse Jackson Browne. Each rendition brings its own flavor to the song, showcasing its timeless appeal and versatility.
What is it about “Stay” that continues to resonate with listeners across generations? Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the melody, the raw emotion in Williams’ vocals, or the relatable theme of young love. Or maybe it’s that irresistible “doo-lang doo-lang” backing vocal that just gets stuck in your head. Whatever the reason, “Stay” remains an enduring classic, a testament to the power of a well-crafted pop song to capture a moment in time and transport us back to our own youthful memories.
So, settle in, turn up the volume, and let Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs take you on a nostalgic journey with their timeless hit, “Stay.” It’s a song that’s sure to rekindle the magic of those early days of rock and roll and remind us all of the power of music to connect us across generations.
Video
Lyrics
ah, just a little bit longer
(Please) please, please, please, please
Tell me that you’re going to
Now your daddy don’t mind
And your mommy don’t mind
If we have another dance, yeah
Just one more, one more time
Oh, won’t you stay, just a little bit longer
Please let me hear
You say that you will, say you will
Won’t you place your sweet lips to mine
Won’t you say you love me all the time
oh, yeah, just a little bit longer
(Please) please, please, please, please
Tell me you’re going to
Come on, come on, come on (stay), yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Come on, come on, come on (stay), yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Come on, come on, come on (stay), ooh, la-de-da
Come on, come on, come on (stay), my, my, my, my