The song "Stay" by Gabrielle Aplin explores the theme of letting go and moving on from the past. It talks about how life is constantly changing, like a circus wheel, and the uncertainty and conflicting emotions that come with it. The narrator expresses that they never intended to hurt someone or lose a friend, but time has passed like a runaway train, and they can't go back to how things used to be. The lyrics convey a sense of freedom and independence, with the narrator stating they were meant to be free and come and go as they please. They question whether the other person expected them to stay, emphasizing that they have chosen a different path and will not be going back. The narrator urges the other person to turn the other way and let go of the past because it's never coming back. The song also touches upon the idea of perception and how people may judge and label others without understanding their perspective. The narrator points out that staying in the past and living a lie prevents someone from truly knowing what it's like on the other side of change. Overall, "Stay" is about embracing the uncertainty of life and not being held back by past relationships or expectations. It encourages listeners to let go of the past, be true to themselves, and explore new possibilities.
