I Stay Away
Alice in Chains
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Yeah, hey, I want to travel south this year I won't, won't prevent safe passage here Why you act crazy? Not an act maybe So close a lady Shifty eyes, shady Yeah, hey Yeah, tears that soak a callous heart Why you act frightened? I am enlightened Your weakness builds me, so someday you'll see I stay away Why you act crazy? Not an act maybe So close a lady Shifty eyes, shady I stay away, I stay away, I stay away, I stay away
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
15 fans
Written by: Layne Staley, Michael Inez, Jerry Cantrell
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Band Background"I Stay Away" is a song by the American rock band Alice in Chains. The band is known for their distinctive vocal style, which often includes the harmonized vocals of lead vocalist Layne Staley and guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell.
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Album InformationThe song was included on their 1994 EP "Jar of Flies." This album is the first EP in music history to debut at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
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Single Release"I Stay Away" was released as the second single from "Jar of Flies." Despite not officially being a full-length album, the EP produced several successful singles, including this song.
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Chart SuccessThe song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 28 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1994.
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Song StyleThis song marked a departure from the band's usual heavy metal sound, incorporating more elements of acoustic rock and even some strings.
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Lyric ContentThe lyrics of "I Stay Away" hint at issues of isolation and internal conflict, themes common in many Alice in Chains songs.
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Grammy NominationThe song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1995, but did not win.
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Music VideoThe music video for the song features stop-motion animation, and was directed by Nick Donkin and Melodie McDaniel. The video was nominated for Best Hard Rock Video at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.
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Live PerformancesDespite its success, "I Stay Away" was rarely performed live. The band has suggested this is due to the song's complex arrangement, which includes a string section, making it difficult to replicate on stage.
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Notable ReviewsBoth contemporary and modern critics have praised the song. Billboard described it as "alternately ferocious and mellifluous". In a retrospective review, Allmusic's Steve Huey characterized the song as "an impressive growth in range," praising its "unexpectedly cerebral and arty side".
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"I Stay Away Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 13 Jan. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35898719/Alice+in+Chains/I+Stay+Away>.
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