Stay (I Missed You)
Encyclopedia
"Stay" is a song and debut single by American singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb
, which became her breakthrough song in 1994. It was included on the Reality Bites
soundtrack, as well as her debut album, Tails
.
"Stay" ultimately went on to become a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100
chart, earning her the distinction of being the only artist to top the U.S. chart before being signed to any record label. The song reached number six on the UK Singles Chart
and was even performed on Top of the Pops
. It also peaked at number 14 on the New Zealand
RIANZ Top 40.
"Stay" later placed 93rd on VH1
's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90's
.
For their performance of the song Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories were nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
, who lived in an apartment across the street from her in New York City
. She met Hawke through mutual friends in the NYC theatre community. Loeb had been performing "Stay (I Missed You)" to positive response at her shows, and Hawke gave a tape of Loeb's song to director Ben Stiller
during the making of the film Reality Bites
. Stiller subsequently agreed to use the song in the film and on the film's soundtrack
.
This song was just named "Stay" originally, consisted of nine verses, and was co-written with Australian Nathan Jolly. But at the time it was getting popular, there were several popular songs with "Stay" in their title (such as the U2 song "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
"). Because of this, "(I Missed You)" was tacked on to the end to differentiate it from the others.
, becoming the first artist to have a number one without a record contract or deal. The song debuted at number 23 on New Zealand Singles Chart, and peaked at number 14 in two weeks time. The song stayed in the chart for 13 weeks total. The song debuted at number 39 in Australia
. It later peaked at number six after five weeks in the charts.
The single, however, didn't have much success throughout the Europe side of the globe, but did debut on the UK Singles Chart
. It debuted at number 27 on the charts, and after five weeks, it peaked at number 6. The song stayed in the charts for fifteen weeks.
and released in 1994, begins with a cat on a chair, the zooms out to Loeb (wearing a black dress and her trademark horn-rimmed glasses
) singing the lyrics while walking around in the empty New York City
apartment in which she lived at the time. At the time, no audio, visual or green screen
effects were generated through the video, which was said to be very basic and simple. It is one continuous camera shot of Loeb in an apartment.
According to VH1
show Pop-Up Video
, the video was filmed in just two separate takes.
for his self-titled debut album. In 2007, it was covered by pop-punk band New Found Glory
for From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II
and featured Loeb on supporting vocals. Sarah Silverman
performed a cover version of the song in an episode from the second season of The Sarah Silverman Program
. Two lines from the song ("You say I only hear what I want to/You say I talk so all the time") can be heard from Much has Been Said, a song by the Filipino rock band Bamboo from their album Light Peace Love
.
Lisa Loeb
Lisa Anne Loeb is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She launched her career in 1994 with the song, "Stay ". She was the first artist to have a number one single in the United States while not signed to a recording contract.Loeb's efforts now include music, film, television, voice-over...
, which became her breakthrough song in 1994. It was included on the Reality Bites
Reality Bites
Reality Bites is a 1994 American romantic comedy-drama film written by Helen Childress and featuring the directorial debut of Ben Stiller. It stars Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke and Stiller, with major supporting roles played by Janeane Garofalo and Steve Zahn. The film was shot on location in Austin...
soundtrack, as well as her debut album, Tails
Tails (Lisa Loeb album)
Tails is an album by Lisa Loeb, released in 1995 by Geffen Records.The album was well received by the public, as it was certified Gold by the RIAA on December 1, 1995...
.
"Stay" ultimately went on to become a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
chart, earning her the distinction of being the only artist to top the U.S. chart before being signed to any record label. The song reached number six on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
and was even performed on Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
. It also peaked at number 14 on the New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
RIANZ Top 40.
"Stay" later placed 93rd on VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90's
The Greatest (TV series)
The Greatest is a VH1 series. Each episode counts down either songs, albums, music videos, moments, musicians, or celebrities of a particular category.-Episodes:-References:...
.
For their performance of the song Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories were nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Background
Loeb was discovered by actor and friend Ethan HawkeEthan Hawke
Ethan Green Hawke is an American actor, writer and director. He made his feature film debut in 1985 with the science fiction movie Explorers, before making a supporting appearance in the 1989 drama Dead Poets Society which is considered his breakthrough role...
, who lived in an apartment across the street from her in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. She met Hawke through mutual friends in the NYC theatre community. Loeb had been performing "Stay (I Missed You)" to positive response at her shows, and Hawke gave a tape of Loeb's song to director Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller
Benjamin Edward "Ben" Stiller is an American comedian, actor, writer, film director, and producer. He is the son of veteran comedians and actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara....
during the making of the film Reality Bites
Reality Bites
Reality Bites is a 1994 American romantic comedy-drama film written by Helen Childress and featuring the directorial debut of Ben Stiller. It stars Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke and Stiller, with major supporting roles played by Janeane Garofalo and Steve Zahn. The film was shot on location in Austin...
. Stiller subsequently agreed to use the song in the film and on the film's soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
.
This song was just named "Stay" originally, consisted of nine verses, and was co-written with Australian Nathan Jolly. But at the time it was getting popular, there were several popular songs with "Stay" in their title (such as the U2 song "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
"Stay " is a song by the rock band U2. It is the fifth track on their 1993 album, Zooropa and was released as the album's third single on 22 November 1993. The song was a top ten hit in the Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. The music video was shot in Berlin,...
"). Because of this, "(I Missed You)" was tacked on to the end to differentiate it from the others.
Writing and inspiration
In a interview, Loeb explained: "At the time I was having arguments with my boyfriend, who was actually my co-producer as well - we made records together. And then I go off into some other areas. Regarding the lyrics, "I turned the radio on, I turned the radio up, and this woman was singing my song," Lisa explains: "That was when you hear somebody telling your exact story.Critical reception
"Stay (I Missed You)" received positive reviews from most music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from Allmusic highlighted the track as an album highlight. He said that the song is "gentle" and explained "That's because Tails delivers on the promise of "Stay." While the basic folk-rock elements of the song are present, much of the material on the record doesn't sound like her breakthrough hit; there are some distorted guitars here and there, and she even rocks out a little bit. Nothing on Tails is as good as "Stay."Chart performance
"Stay" became Loeb's most successful single to date through her career. "Stay" peaked at number 1 in the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, becoming the first artist to have a number one without a record contract or deal. The song debuted at number 23 on New Zealand Singles Chart, and peaked at number 14 in two weeks time. The song stayed in the chart for 13 weeks total. The song debuted at number 39 in Australia
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
. It later peaked at number six after five weeks in the charts.
The single, however, didn't have much success throughout the Europe side of the globe, but did debut on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. It debuted at number 27 on the charts, and after five weeks, it peaked at number 6. The song stayed in the charts for fifteen weeks.
Music video
The music video, directed by Ethan HawkeEthan Hawke
Ethan Green Hawke is an American actor, writer and director. He made his feature film debut in 1985 with the science fiction movie Explorers, before making a supporting appearance in the 1989 drama Dead Poets Society which is considered his breakthrough role...
and released in 1994, begins with a cat on a chair, the zooms out to Loeb (wearing a black dress and her trademark horn-rimmed glasses
Horn-rimmed glasses
Horn-rimmed glasses are a type of eyeglasses. Originally made out of either horn or tortoise shell, for most of their history they have actually been constructed out of thick plastics designed to imitate those materials...
) singing the lyrics while walking around in the empty New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
apartment in which she lived at the time. At the time, no audio, visual or green screen
Green Screen
The Green Screen international wildlife film festival is held annually in Eckernförde, Germany. The festival shows full-length and short nature documentaries about animals in their natural habitat. It is the only festival of its kind in Germany...
effects were generated through the video, which was said to be very basic and simple. It is one continuous camera shot of Loeb in an apartment.
According to VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
show Pop-Up Video
Pop-up Video
Pop Up Video is a VH1 television show that "pops up" bubbles — officially called "info nuggets" — containing trivia, witticisms and borderline sexual innuendos throughout music videos. The show was created by Woody Thompson and Tad Low and premiered October 27, 1996. For a time, it was the...
, the video was filmed in just two separate takes.
Peak positions
| Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Top Singles (RPM RPM (magazine) RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,... ) |
1 |
| Ireland (Irish Singles Chart Irish Singles Chart The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured... ) |
12 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1990-1999) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canada | 13 |
| United States | 42 |
Cover versions
"Stay" was covered in 2006 by Filipino singer Chris CayzerChris Cayzer
Chris Cayzer is a Filipino-Australian soul, R&B and acoustic singer, actor, DJ and VJ...
for his self-titled debut album. In 2007, it was covered by pop-punk band New Found Glory
New Found Glory
New Found Glory is an American rock band from Coral Springs, Florida. Formed in the summer of 1997, founding members were lead vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Joe Marino...
for From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II
From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II
-Release history:-Credits:Band* Jordan Pundik – Vocals* Chad Gilbert – Guitar* Steve Klein – Guitar* Ian Grushka – Bass* Cyrus Bolooki – Drums / PercussionAdditional Musicians* Michael Bethancourt – KeyboardsGuest Appearances...
and featured Loeb on supporting vocals. Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman
Sarah Kate Silverman is a Jewish American comedian, writer, actress, singer and musician. Her satirical comedy addresses social taboos and controversial topics such as racism, sexism, and religion....
performed a cover version of the song in an episode from the second season of The Sarah Silverman Program
The Sarah Silverman Program
The Sarah Silverman Program is an American television series that starred comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, who created the series with Dan Harmon and Rob Schrab...
. Two lines from the song ("You say I only hear what I want to/You say I talk so all the time") can be heard from Much has Been Said, a song by the Filipino rock band Bamboo from their album Light Peace Love
Light Peace Love
Light Peace Love is the second album of the Filipino rock band Bamboo. The song "Hallelujah" was released some time before the actual release of the album, becoming an instant hit...
.
Credits
- Lisa LoebLisa LoebLisa Anne Loeb is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She launched her career in 1994 with the song, "Stay ". She was the first artist to have a number one single in the United States while not signed to a recording contract.Loeb's efforts now include music, film, television, voice-over...
– guitar and vocals - Tim BrightTim BrightTimothy William Bright is a retired American decathlete and pole vaulter.Bright represented the US in the decathlon at the 1984 Olympics and the 1987 World Championships, and in the pole vault at the 1985 World University Games and the 1985 World Cup. He won the American national championships in...
– guitar - Joe Quigley – bass
- Jonathan Feinberg – drums