Stayaway

"Stayaway"
Single by Muna
from the album Saves the World
ReleasedAugust 16, 2019
Genre
Length3:26
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)Muna
Producer(s)
Muna singles chronology
"Who"
(2019)
"Stayaway"
(2019)
"Taken"
(2019)

"Stayaway" is a song by American band Muna from their second studio album, Saves the World (2019). The song was written by band members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, who produced it with John Hill. It was released by RCA Records as the albums third single, on August 16, 2019.

"Stayaway" is a synth-pop, electropop, and alt-pop song with influences of 1980s music. Lyrically, it is about struggling to maintain one's distance from an ex-romantic partner in the aftermath of a breakup. Inspired by some of lead singer Gavin's own failed relationships, the band described "Stayaway" as a song about understanding the permanent changes required to eliminate harmful patterns and instill long-lasting improvements. Upon release, music critics praised the song's production and detailed, emotional lyrics, with many reviewers calling "Stayaway" some of Muna's best material released to that point.

A music video for "Stayaway" was released on August 16, 2019, the same day as the single. Directed by Minnie Schedeen, it depicts the band returning home after encountering an ex at a gig. Muna has performed "Stayaway" live on several occasions, including throughout their headlining concert tours, Coachella, and their Tiny Desk Concert, both in 2023. Singer Kelly Clarkson covered the song on her talk show in 2023.