"The Kid LAROI - Stay (ft. Post Malone & Justin Bieber)" explores the themes of love, addiction, and the fear of losing someone important.

In the chorus, The Kid LAROI acknowledges his past mistakes and promises to change, even when he knows it's difficult for him. He admits that he can't find anyone else as good as the person he is addressing and expresses his need for them to stay in his life.

In the first verse, The Kid LAROI reflects on his self-destructive behavior, revealing that he often gets drunk and wasted, only to realize the time he has wasted being away from the person he loves. He fears that they don't feel the same way he does and expresses his desperation for them to be with him.

Post Malone's verse adds another perspective to the song. He describes entering a party where people seem to know him, but his focus is on finding someone specific. He acknowledges their physical attractiveness but is more interested in establishing a connection beyond superficiality. However, he realizes the consequences of his actions, mentioning his girlfriend and anticipating the repercussions of his behavior.

Justin Bieber's verse delves into his own struggles and fears in relationships. He emphasizes how he misses his partner's touch when they are apart and acknowledges his difficulty in trusting others due to past experiences. He acknowledges that they have never left him empty-handed and confesses his inability to live without them, urging them to stay.

Overall, the song captures the vulnerability, desire for change, and dependence that can be present in relationships. It explores the idea that despite one's promises and intentions, they may still fall back into old patterns, but ultimately, they realize their need for the other person's presence and want them to stay.