The song "River Stay" by The Used explores themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and moving on from a toxic relationship. The lyrics suggest that the narrator feels trapped and controlled by their partner, as they describe feeling like they are "sleepwalking the empty" with "x's on [their] eyes" and being held hostage by their lies. The narrator expresses their reluctance to forgive their partner, stating that it is the last thing they would ever do. Despite any love they may have felt before, the narrator recognizes that their partner's actions have caused irreparable damage and they can no longer trust or save them. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of memories and how they can make the narrator feel sick. They reflect on the contradiction of celebrating both the scars from the past and the anticipation of future wounds, questioning whether this is how they are supposed to feel in their current situation. Ultimately, the narrator realizes that their relationship holds no significance to them anymore and there is nothing left for them to say. They acknowledge that they cannot change the course of events, and they are forced to walk away from the toxic relationship, symbolically compared to a river that cannot be controlled or kept in one place. Overall, "River Stay" by The Used portrays a sense of frustration, emotional exhaustion, and a desire for freedom from a toxic relationship. The lyrics communicate the narrator's determination to move on, firmly asserting that forgiveness is the last thing they would ever consider.
