“Stay High” by Brittany Howard

 “Stay High” can be interpreted as a love song in the sense that Brittany Howard is likely addressing a romantic interest. However, the main topic of “Stay High” is not romance. Rather it is premised on the idea of the singer spending nights at play after a hard day’s work. And this is not so much a personal ritual, as where she’s from everyone lives a similar lifestyle.

So what Brittany seems to be telling her lover is that he should not be alarmed when she appears not to be happy. And why? Because sure enough when the appropriate hour hits she’s going to enjoy herself.  And she describes the latter feeling as the titular “high”. Thus the overall sentiment Howard is putting forth is her desire to “stay” in this state. And her specific longing is to replicate this experience with the person she is singing to.

Music Video of “Stay High”

The music video to this track, which was directed by Kim Gehrig, features Hollywood star Terry Crews in the lead role.

Moreover it marks the first time in which Brittany Howard has made an appearance in one of her videos.

The video was filmed in Athens, Alabama. It should be noted that Athens is Brittany Howard’s hometown.  And some of the actors featured therein are her actual friends and family. 

Howard dedicated the video to her dad, K. J. Howard. And the character Terry Crews portrays, that of a working-class family man, is actually based on her father. Howard was the one who personally chose Terry to play the role.

Writing, Production and Release Date

“Stay High” was written and produced by Brittany Howard. On 16 July 2019, it became the second single released by ATO Records from her debut-solo album (“Jaime”).