Black Out Days (Stay Away)

The overall theme of the song feels like a battle with inner demons. The singer is grappling with voices in their head, which seem to represent anxiety or depression. The desire to "stay away" suggests a yearning to avoid these feelings or situations that trigger them. The imagery of fireworks and painting the sky hints at a desire for expression, but it’s clouded by negativity and pain.

Verse 1

Tell me all the ways to stay
Away-ay-ay-ay ya
Away-ay ya
And stay away-ay ya
Away-ay ya
Away-ay ya
Away-ay ya
Away-ay ya
Away-ay ya, away-ay ya
And stay away-ay ya, away-ay ya
Away-ay ya, away-ay ya

In this verse, the repetition of “stay away” emphasizes a strong desire to escape. The phrase feels like a plea for help, as if the singer is searching for solutions to distance themselves from something overwhelming. The playful tone of the rhythm contrasts with the seriousness of the message, creating a tension between wanting to hide and the desperation to find a way out.

Chorus

Dig a hole
Fireworks exploding in my hands
If I could paint the sky
Would all the stars we shine are bloody red

Here, the imagery becomes more vivid. "Dig a hole" suggests burying something deep, perhaps a desire to hide from pain. The "fireworks exploding" imply a chaotic burst of emotions, while the idea of painting the sky introduces a wish for control over their reality. The bloody red stars could symbolize both beauty and violence, there’s something beautiful about shining, but it’s mixed with a sense of danger.

Verse 2

Stay-ay-ay-ay ya
Away-ay ya, away-ay ya
And stay-ay-ay ya
Away-ay ya, away-ay ya

This verse repeats the earlier sentiment of wanting to stay away. It reinforces the feeling of a cycle, like the singer is stuck in a loop of trying to escape but not quite managing to do so. The simplicity of the lines adds to the urgency, almost like a mantra to push away the negative thoughts.

Chorus

And stay-
Away-ay ya (I'm hearing voices all the time and they're not mine)
Away-ay ya
Away-ay ya (I'm hearing voices and they're haunting my mind)
And stay-
Away-ay ya (I'm hearing voices all the time and they're not mine)
Away-ay ya
Away-ay ya

In this chorus, the addition of the lines about hearing voices adds depth. It’s not just about wanting to escape; it’s about recognizing those haunting thoughts that aren’t the singer’s own. This acknowledgment makes the struggle feel more real and relatable. It shows a fight against those external influences that creep into one's mind.

Bridge

I'm hearing voices all the time and they're not mine
I'm hearing voices and they're haunting my mind

The bridge brings a stark focus on the mental struggle. The repetition here emphasizes the weight of these voices. It feels like a cry for understanding, showcasing the feeling of being trapped in one’s own head. This part pulls the listener deeper into the emotional turmoil the singer faces.

Outro

The outro repeats the earlier themes without new lines, reinforcing that sense of being stuck. The repetition feels almost hypnotic, as if the singer is trapped in this loop of anxiety. It leaves a lingering feeling of unresolved tension, echoing the struggle that many face.

Closing Thoughts

"Black Out Days (Stay Away)" captures the feeling of wanting to escape from mental turmoil through its vivid imagery and repeated phrases. Ian Asher does a great job of blending catchy rhythms with heavy themes, creating a song that’s both relatable and thought-provoking. It's a reminder of the importance of addressing our inner struggles, instead of just wishing them away.