Staying's Worse Than Leaving
Encyclopedia
"Staying's Worse Than Leaving" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by American country
artist Sunny Sweeney
. It was released in May 2011 as the second single from her second studio album, Concrete
.
. Blake Boldt of The 9513 gave the song a thumbs up rating. He notes that Sweeney's "songs often carry an emotional heft and insight into that little thing called heartache," and favored the song's production, which he believed "puts the stamp on this dying romance."
, premiered on CMT
on May 19, 2011. In the video, Sweeney and her husband are shown walking around their spacious home separately, both appearing distraught; Sweeney tears up, and the man frequently wrings his hands. At the end of the video, the two finally come together to sleep in the same bed.
chart for the week ending May 7, 2011. It ultimately peaked at #38 in August 2011.
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
artist Sunny Sweeney
Sunny Sweeney
Sunny Michaela Sweeney is an American country music artist. She is signed to the Republic Nashville label. Her debut album, Heartbreaker's Hall of Fame, was issued in 2007. Although it produced three singles in "If I Could", "Ten Years Pass" and "East Texas Pines", none of these singles have charted...
. It was released in May 2011 as the second single from her second studio album, Concrete
Concrete (Sunny Sweeney album)
Concrete is the second studio album by American country music singer Sunny Sweeney. It was released on August 23, 2011 via Republic Nashville. The album includes the singles "From a Table Away" and "Staying's Worse Than Leaving," both of which have charted within the top 40 of Hot Country...
.
Content
"Staying's Worse Than Leaving" is a moderate-tempo ballad. The song's female narrator describes being in a failed relationship that has gone on for quite some time, because she felt like staying was easier ("Leaving's hard / Trust me it's really bad"). Although she acknowledges that the best option she can do at this point is walk away, because she knows that "staying's worse than leaving."Reception
Matt Bjorke of Roughstock gave the song a three-and-a-half star review, complimenting the song's neo-traditional sound thanks to an "able and rustic production," and favorably compared Sweeney's vocals to Natalie Maines of the Dixie ChicksDixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks are an American country band which has also successfully crossed over into other genres. The band is composed of founding members Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines...
. Blake Boldt of The 9513 gave the song a thumbs up rating. He notes that Sweeney's "songs often carry an emotional heft and insight into that little thing called heartache," and favored the song's production, which he believed "puts the stamp on this dying romance."
Music video
The music video, which was directed by Roman WhiteRoman White
Roman White is a music video director who has directed most of Carrie Underwood's videos. He has also directed music videos for Kelly Clarkson, Josh Groban, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and more...
, premiered on CMT
Country Music Television
Country Music Television, or CMT, is an American country music-oriented cable television network. Programming includes music videos, taped concerts, movies, biographies of country music stars, game shows, and reality programs...
on May 19, 2011. In the video, Sweeney and her husband are shown walking around their spacious home separately, both appearing distraught; Sweeney tears up, and the man frequently wrings his hands. At the end of the video, the two finally come together to sleep in the same bed.
Chart performance
"Staying's Worse Than Leaving" debuted at number 60 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country SongsHot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
chart for the week ending May 7, 2011. It ultimately peaked at #38 in August 2011.
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
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