​​stay high cover

Song Meaning

Grace VanderWaal's interpretation of "stay high" (originally by Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, performing as 'Brittany Howard') is a stark excavation of grief and self-destructive coping mechanisms. The lyrics paint a portrait of someone spiraling, using hedonistic pursuits and substance use as a desperate attempt to outrun the pain of loss. VanderWaal's delivery, known for its raw emotionality, amplifies the song's inherent vulnerability, transforming a bluesy lament into a haunting confession. The opening lines, with their stark imagery of lonely dinners in bathtubs followed by detached observations of sexual encounters, immediately establish a sense of profound alienation. These aren't acts of pleasure; they're hollow rituals performed in the service of numbness. The chorus, the repeated mantra of "stay high, all the time, to keep you off my mind," lays bare the central conflict. The high isn't about euphoria; it's about avoidance. It's a temporary shield against the crushing weight of a lost connection. The raw honesty in admitting the need to constantly self-medicate speaks volumes about the depth of the wound. The casualness with which the lyrics detail other self-destructive behaviors – from binge eating and purging to seeking fleeting connections – underscores the character's desperation. There's a sense of reckless abandon, a willingness to sacrifice everything in the pursuit of temporary relief. Ultimately, VanderWaal's "stay high" cover isn't just about substance abuse; it's about the universal human impulse to escape pain. It's a raw, unflinching look at the lengths we'll go to avoid facing our deepest sorrows. The song resonates because it taps into the messy, uncomfortable truth that grief isn't always linear, and sometimes, the coping mechanisms we choose are as damaging as the pain itself. The repeated lines emphasize the cyclical nature of addiction and grief, portraying a battle fought daily to forget someone who has left a deep scar. The song meaning lies in this brutal honesty, making it a powerful and affecting experience.