Leave or Stay

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Leave or Stay" by The Cars from their 1987 album Door to Door, a track that resonates with their Zoo Freaks audience. This song, a deep cut from the album, carries a reflective vibe with its introspective lyrics and signature synth-rock sound. In a 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Ric Ocasek described "Leave or Stay" as a personal meditation on indecision, inspired by late-night drives through Boston, where he'd mull over life’s crossroads. The song’s jangly guitars and moody atmosphere, paired with Ocasek’s detached yet emotive delivery, make it a fan favorite among those who vibe with The Cars’ more contemplative side.

Trivia about "Leave or Stay" reveals its unique place in The Cars’ catalog. According to a post on the fan-run The Cars Fans Facebook group, the track was almost left off Door to Door due to its slower tempo, but drummer David Robinson fought for its inclusion, arguing it captured the band’s raw energy from their early days. A 2017 X post from the band’s official account shared a rare demo version of the song, highlighting how its original acoustic roots evolved into the polished studio cut. Fans on the CarsTheBand.com forum speculate that the song’s lyrics hint at Ocasek’s struggles with fame, though he never confirmed this in interviews.

The Cars began in Boston in the mid-1970s, born from the creative partnership of Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr, who met in Cleveland before relocating to Massachusetts. The two started as a folk-rock duo, playing local gigs under names like Cap’n Swing, but their sound shifted to new wave after adding Elliot Easton on guitar, Greg Hawkes on keyboards, and David Robinson on drums. According to their bio on The Cars’ official Facebook, their big break came when a demo of "Just What I Needed" aired on Boston radio, catching the attention of Elektra Records. This led to their 1978 self-titled debut, which blended punk’s edge with pop sensibilities, cementing their place in the new wave scene.

The band’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. A post on The Cars’ Instagram reflects on how their early gigs at dive bars shaped their tight live sound, with Ocasek’s quirky stage presence drawing crowds. The Cars Fan Club Facebook group often shares stories from fans who saw them at venues like The Rat in Boston, where the band honed their craft. Their innovative use of synthesizers and knack for catchy hooks set them apart, earning them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

For more on The Cars, check out their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can connect on the The Cars Fans and Cars Fan Club Facebook groups or dive into fan discussions at CarsTheBand.com. Whether you’re a Zoo Freak or a longtime fan, "Leave or Stay" is a perfect track to crank up and vibe with The Cars’ timeless cool.