‘Stay with Me’ is a song by English rock band Faces, written jointly by lead singer Rod Stewart and guitarist Ronnie Wood. Released from the band's third studio album A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse (1971), it became their only major hit in the United States, although they had a further three Top 20 singles in the UK chart. The song has also appeared on various Faces compilations and on albums by both songwriters. The lyrics describe a woman named Rita, who has a face that she has "nothing to laugh about", and with whom the singer proposes a one-night stand, on the condition that she be gone when he wakes up.
‘Stay with Me’ reached number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent two weeks at number 10 on the Cash Box Top 100. The song also reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart and number 4 in Canada.
This Mod anthem was written by Faces lead singer Rod Stewart and their guitarist Ronald David Wood, best known as future Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood. The song is a tale of sexual debauchery where Stewart gives a step-by-step account on how to pick up a groupie for a one-night-stand. He makes it very clear that she should be gone in the morning, although he does offer to pay her cab fare home. Stewart notes his conquest's "red lips, hair and fingernails," and repeats the rumor that she's a "mean old Jezebel." Jezebel is a notorious figure in the Bible, known for leading Israel away from God during her reign as queen of the nation's northern kingdom, alongside King Ahab. She's often portrayed as a seductress for her use of makeup, jewels, and other finery, which were tools of the trade for prostitutes at the time.
The song was the first and biggest American hit for the Faces, although Rod Stewart scored his massive solo hit ‘Maggie May’ four months before ‘Stay With Me’ was released in November 1971. In ‘Maggie,’ which is based on a true story, Stewart is the object of sexual conquest.
Label – Warner Bros.
Songwriters – Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood
Producers – Faces, Glyn Johns
SONG LYRICS
[Intro]Woo!
Get it
[Verse 1]
In the mornin' don't say you love me
'Cause I'll only kick you out of the door
I know your name is Rita 'cause your perfume's smelling sweeter
Since when I saw you down on the floor, guitar
[Verse 2]
You won't need too much pursuadin'
I don't mean to sound degradin'
But with a face like that
You got nothin' to laugh about
Red lips, hair and fingernails
I hear you're a mean old Jezebel
Let's go upstairs
And read my tarot cards, come on
[Chorus]
Stay with me, stay with me
For tonight you'd better stay with me, oh yeah
Stay with me, stay with me
For tonight you'd better stay with me
[Verse 3]
So, in the mornin', please don't say you love me
'Cause you know I'll only kick you out the door
Yeah, I'll pay your cab fare home, you can even use my best cologne
Just don't be here in the mornin' when I wake up, come on, honey
[Chorus]
Stay with me, stay with me
'Cause tonight you're gonna stay with me
Sit down, get up, get out
Stay with me, stay with me
'Cause tonight you're gonna stay with me
Hey, what's your name again?
[Outro]
Get out