Stop And Stare

Album: Dreaming Out Loud (2008)
Charted: 4 12
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about getting stuck in a rut. OneRepublic wrote on their MySpace page that "Stop and Stare" describes the common frustration of getting to a place in life where you think, "How in the world did I end up here, this isn't where I wanted to be, watching what I wanted pass me by." The band added: "The lyrics have shades of melancholy, and there is a definite emotional undercurrent running through them. If you can't tap into emotion, you're just selling catchy tunes."
  • Frontman and principal songwriter Ryan Tedder explained to Digital Spy that this song, "was written from the point of total desperation - I was beyond broke, I kept getting eviction notices and I really felt like I was watching my life passing me by."

Comments: 6

  • Stella from EuropeI fell in love with this song as a teenager, little did I know that one day when I finished university I would relate to this so much. One can plan, have dreams, but when it does not turn out the way you want to live your life, you really need to "stop and stare". This song can make me cry, but it is a treasure just like Ryan and the others.
  • Kimberly from Landing, NjYes I agree. We all need to stop and stare. We all should stop. take in the reality. For what is in front of us and are EYES. Thank you again for the reminder. Great Lyrics.
  • Annika from Apeldoorn, Netherlandsbeautifulish awesome song
  • Chantelle from Shellharbour, Australiawhen i first heard this song i was like wow this is so powerful. I watched the film clip over and over but then eventually i got and i was just like omg i can relate to that. SO POWERFUL!!!
  • Melissa from Newtown, Paso lovely. i love it when you can relate to songs like this
  • Alyssa from Forney, TxThis song is awesome
    Very cool =]
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."