Additional Coverage:
Back in 1970, amid the era of free love and musical experimentation, Stephen Stills launched his first solo album with a track that perfectly captured the spirit of the times: “Love the One You’re With.”
At that point, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were on a break, each member exploring solo endeavors. Stills struck a chord with his self-titled debut, propelled in large part by the infectious single “Love the One You’re With,” which climbed to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1971.
What made the song resonate so strongly? Its catchy, singalong chorus offered a lighthearted, pragmatic take on love-encouraging listeners to embrace the moment rather than dwell on what they couldn’t have. The phrase itself came from a piece of dating wisdom Stills picked up from legendary keyboardist Billy Preston: “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”
In the liner notes for the CSN Box Set, Stills reflected on the song’s origins: “This song has been very good to me. The title came from a party with Billy Preston.
I asked him if I could pinch this line he had, and he said, ‘Sure.’ So I took the phrase and wrote a song around it.
It’s a good times song, just a bit of fun. My favorite part is the steel drums.
I played them before a little bit but I just kept diddling around till I found the right notes.”
The addition of steel drums came thanks to Antiguan-born musician Calvin “Fuzzy” Samuel, who recalled in an interview how the track evolved. Initially a simple 12-string guitar tune, Samuel suggested bringing in steel drums to add texture.
He and Jeff Whitaker brought the instrument back to the studio, enriching the song’s sound. Later, Stills even woke Samuel up in the early morning to try out a new bassline idea, which became a key element of the final track.
Adding to the collaborative spirit, Stills’ CSNY bandmates David Crosby and Graham Nash lent their voices to the background harmonies. Nash remembered receiving a call from Stills inviting them to the studio to help with the choruses, highlighting the camaraderie despite their hiatus.
Decades on, “Love the One You’re With” remains a source of inspiration and comfort for many. Its lyrics continue to resonate:
*Don’t be angry – don’t be sad
Don’t sit crying over good times you’ve had
There’s a girl right next to you
And she’s just waiting for something to do*
*Well