Song meaning of Stayed Gone by Andrew Underberg, Sam Haft, Christian Borle, Amir Talai & Joel Perez

"Stayed Gone" is a powerful and confrontational song that delves into the rivalry between two characters, Vox and Valentino, as they discuss the unexpected return of a third character, the Radio Demon. The song begins with Vox expressing his frustration and disbelief at the Radio Demon's reappearance after seven years. Valentino, seemingly unfazed, taunts Vox about his past defeat at the hands of the Radio Demon.

As the song progresses, Vox takes control of the situation and decides to send a message to assert his dominance. The lyrics emphasize the changing dynamics since the Radio Demon's departure, implying that Vox is now the one in charge. The song takes on a more theatrical tone as the characters transition from spoken dialogue to singing.

The lyrics then shift to a television program, where Vox and his staff discuss the Radio Demon's return. Vox takes the opportunity to belittle and discredit the Radio Demon, labeling him as a loser and a coward. He urges his viewers not to pay attention to the Radio Demon's words, asserting his own superiority and dismissing the Radio Demon's relevance.

However, the song takes an unexpected turn when the Radio Demon, Alastor, makes his entrance. Alastor's arrival is met with mixed reactions, with Vox criticizing his outdated style and Alastor mocking Vox's pursuit of popularity. The lyrics highlight the clash between Vox's modern approach and Alastor's traditional charm.

Alastor reveals that Vox had approached him to join his team, but Alastor declined, leading to tension between the two characters. The song escalates into a heated exchange, with Vox threatening to destroy Alastor and Alastor playfully taunting Vox.

In the final chorus, Vox takes control of the narrative once again, vowing to make the Radio Demon regret his return. The lyrics convey Vox's determination to prove his superiority and establish his dominance over the Radio Demon.

Overall, "Stayed Gone" is a dynamic and intense song that explores themes of rivalry, power, and the clash between traditional and modern media. The lyrics showcase the complex relationships between the characters and their desire to assert their dominance in the ever-changing world they inhabit.