The song was released at a time when Lennon's solo career was at its peak, following his successful with the debut album Valotte (1984).

Lennon composed his song between late 1985 and early 1986 with this lyrical context, to describe a man with couple problems waiting for a possible apology from his girlfriend "to stay" and continue the romantic relationship, although it is unknown what inspired his sentiments.

“Stick Around" features a distinctive synthesizer line as primary sound, as well a powerful guitar riff played by Lennon's close friend and bandmate Justin Clayton.

The song is fully credited to Lennon, but Clayton had a very important role in to complete its musical composition.

Fox, Joe Piscopo, Martin Kove, Playboy playmate Peggy McIntaggart and Jami Gertz, who plays Lennon's apparently long-suffering girlfriend in the opening and closing moments of the video.