"Stay" is a quintessential late-era hair metal/melodic hard rock ballad that emphasizes the commercial and melodic side of Don Dokken's songwriting. The track is built on a foundation of clean guitar tones and a soulful bass intro (played by Tony Franklin), which slowly builds tension before the drums and distorted guitars kick in. Lyrically, it is a classic power ballad centered on themes of loss and pleading for a love interest to remain. The highlight is the extremely catchy, soaring chorus, where Don Dokken's multi-layered vocal harmonies shine, making it highly anthemic and radio-friendly. The track features a well-crafted, Scorpions-sounding guitar lead break that is melodic and emotional, perfectly suiting the song's subject matter. This song showcases the more mellow and hook-driven side of the Up From The Ashes album.