Don't Start If You Won't Stay
Alex Wilson
Description
A confident, flirty country track with a modern edge. 'Don't Start If You Won't Stay' captures the swagger of a potential romance, where the protagonist is both intrigued and wary of the game being played. The song blends warm, inviting instrumentation with a subtly assertive vocal performance, creating a vibe that's both alluring and demanding of honesty. The syncopated groove and Telecaster twang give it a contemporary country feel, while the organ pad adds a touch of classic soul.
Lyrics
[INTRO] (Loose electric riff. Warm bass slide. Slow clap groove. Distant train whistle sound effect.) [VERSE 1] You’re standin’ over there with that half-grin, half-dare, Playin’ with your necklace like you know I’m starin’. Ain’t even said a word yet, but you got me hooked, By the way you draw a circle with your boot in the dust. [PRE-CHORUS] You keep leanin’ in close like you’re lettin’ me choose, But girl, you know exactly what you’re pullin’ me into. [CHORUS] Don’t start if you won’t stay, Don’t smile that trouble my way. I fall easy for a girl who knows what she’s doin’, And you move like you’re already provin’ You could be the one that keeps me up all night — So don’t play if you won’t play it right. Girl, don’t start what you won’t stay for, You smile like trouble I’d pay for. [VERSE 2] You’re talkin’ ’bout your friends, but your eyes say more, Like you’re testin’ how far you can push this door. You tuck your hair behind your ear slow, Lord, you gotta know you’re stealin’ this show. [PRE-CHORUS] You keep touchin’ my arm like it ain’t nothin’ to you, But these little things you’re doin’ got me fallin’ straight through. [CHORUS] Don’t start if you won’t stay, Don’t smile that trouble my way. I fall easy for a girl who knows what she’s doin’, And you move like you’re already provin’ You could be the one that keeps me up all night — So don’t play if you won’t play it right. Girl, don’t start what you won’t stay for, You smile like trouble I’d pay for. [BRIDGE] If you just wanna dance, girl, I’ll dance you around, If you want somethin’ real, hell, I’m down. But don’t you pull me in close just to walk away, I ain’t here for a maybe — baby, I don’t play. [CHORUS — FINAL] Don’t start if you won’t stay… (Yeah, you know what you’re doin’, babe.) Don’t smile that trouble my way. Girl, don’t start what you won’t stay for — You smile like trouble I’d pay for. [OUTRO] (Soft electric echo. Fades with organ pad.) Yeah… trouble I’d pay for…