Jennifer Nettles Shares How She Wrote Sugarland’s Hit ‘Stay’ as a Response to One of Reba McEntire’s Classics (Exclusive)

Country music duo Sugarland is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their critically acclaimed album “Enjoy the Ride” with a nostalgic North American tour. Jennifer Nettles, one half of the duo alongside Kristian Bush, recently shared insights into the creation of their iconic song “Stay,” which played a significant role in catapulting Sugarland to fame.

“Stay” was released as the fourth single from the album in September 2007. This poignant ballad, which explores themes of infidelity, was particularly notable as it featured lyrics solely penned by Nettles. The song is uniquely told from the perspective of a woman entangled in an affair with a man who is married, offering an unconventional viewpoint on a familiar narrative.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Stay,” Nettles cites her admiration for Reba McEntire’s classic track, “Whoever’s in New England.” The 1986 hit, crafted by Kendal Franceschi and Quentin Powers, narrates the feelings of a wife who suspects her husband is being unfaithful during his business trips. Nettles recalls her reaction to McEntire’s song, saying, “I realised there are so many songs that portray the betrayal — the cheating, the wronged parties. But what about the other woman? What must she be feeling?”

This thought led Nettles to envisage the complexities of such a situation, prompting her to delve into the emotions of all parties involved. “None of them are probably having the best time, considering the turmoil they find themselves in,” Nettles explained. This exploration of narrative depth is what drove her to write “Stay.”

With the song crafted in mind, she, along with Bush and producer Byron Gallimore, opted for a stripped-back acoustic arrangement. Nettles highlights the uniqueness of the track within the album, noting, “We loved that it was so different. It created a dramatic contrast to the other songs.” Despite their confidence in the song, they faced skepticism from their label at Mercury Records.

Upon presenting “Stay” to Luke Lewis, the label’s head, Nettles recalls, “He was bewildered that we thought an all-acoustic, five-minute ballad could work on radio.” Despite the initial concerns, the success of the album eventually persuaded Lewis to give the song a chance. “I’m so grateful that he did,” Nettles remarked, acknowledging that his trust in their vision was crucial to the song’s release.

Upon its release, “Stay” resonated deeply with audiences, climbing to No. 2 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also garnered the duo two Grammy Awards, including Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Country Song. Nettles emphasised the song’s enduring impact, commenting, “It goes to show that a well-crafted song can stand on its own, even stripped of all production.”

“Stay” continues to be a testament to the duo’s songwriting prowess, as it encapsulates complex emotions and perspectives while maintaining a simple yet powerful arrangement. As the pair embark on their “Ride or Die Tour” across North America this October and November, fans are reminded not only of the song’s storied history but also its continued relevance in today’s musical landscape.

Through this tour, Sugarland has reignited the nostalgia for their earlier work, highlighting tracks like “Stay” that have left an indelible mark on country music. As Nettles reflects on the journey of the duo and their music, it’s clear that the bond of storytelling through song remains a central pillar of their artistry.

As they continue to tour and share their music with fans old and new, it’s evident that Sugarland’s legacy is built on genuine emotional connections and powerful storytelling that resonates across generations.