The Hails's song Stay is about the conflicting emotions one feels when they have to leave home but are torn between their love for their home and their desire to explore the world. The lyrics suggest that the narrator's soul is deeply rooted in Carolina, but they have to leave for unknown reasons. The song is about the emotional turmoil of leaving a place that feels like home and how difficult it can be to make that decision. The repeated refrain "I like it when you go, but I love it when you stay" suggests that the narrator is torn between staying in Carolina and leaving for new experiences. The lyrics also hint at a sense of madness or confusion around the decision to leave. Overall, Stay is a poignant and relatable song that captures the emotional struggles of leaving home.