I Stay Away

Alice in Chains

About I Stay Away

"I Stay Away" is a song from Alice in Chains' 1994 EP Jar of Flies, and the second single from the album. This song marked the first time the band wrote with bassist Mike Inez. The single reached No. 10 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks, and stayed in the chart for 26 weeks. "I Stay Away" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1995. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999), Music Bank (1999), Greatest Hits (2001), and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006).  


Year:
1994
4:14
404 
#2

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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

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Alice in Chains

Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr (who was replaced in 1993 by Mike Inez). more »

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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.
Album Information
The 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.
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.
Chart Success
The song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 28 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1994.
Song Style
This song marked a departure from the band's usual heavy metal sound, incorporating more elements of acoustic rock and even some strings.
Lyric Content
The lyrics of "I Stay Away" hint at issues of isolation and internal conflict, themes common in many Alice in Chains songs.
Grammy Nomination
The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1995, but did not win.
Music Video
The 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.
Live Performances
Despite 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.
Notable Reviews
Both 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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