Love the One You're With
Stephen Stills Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you're down and confused
And you don't remember who you're talking to
Concentration slip away
Because your baby is so far away

Well there's a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can't be with the one you love, honey
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with

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

And there's a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can't be with the one you love honey
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with

Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with

Turn your heartache right into joy
'Cause she is a girl and you're a boy
Get it together, make it nice
You ain't gonna need any more advice

And there's a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can't be with the one you love, honey
Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with




Love the one you're with
Love the one you're with

Overall Meaning

"Love the One You're With" is a song about living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or wishing for something that cannot be. The verses are directed towards someone who is feeling down and struggling with the distance between them and their loved one. The singer encourages them to focus on the present, to not be sad or angry, but to recognize that there is someone else right in front of them who is also looking for happiness.


The message becomes clear in the chorus where the singer repeats the phrase "love the one you're with". This line might seem like an endorsement of settling for second best, but it's actually a call to appreciate what is right in front of you instead of getting lost in what could have been. The metaphor of the rose in a fisted glove and the eagle with the dove represents the unity of opposites and the idea that happiness can be found in unexpected places.


Overall, "Love the One You're With" advocates for being present in the moment and finding joy in what life has to offer in the here and now, rather than getting caught up in past regrets or future what-ifs. It encourages the listener to be grateful for what they have and to embrace the opportunities around them.


Line by Line Meaning

If you're down and confused
If you're feeling lost and uncertain


And you don't remember who you're talking to
And you can't remember who you're trying to communicate with


Concentration slip away
Your focus is drifting


Because your baby is so far away
Because the person you want to be with is far from you


Well there's a rose in a fisted glove
There's a hidden opportunity in a difficult situation


And the eagle flies with the dove
Even opposing forces can coexist peacefully


And if you can't be with the one you love, honey
If you can't be with the person you truly love, my dear


Love the one you're with
Appreciate the person who is presently in your life


Don't be angry, don't be sad
Don't get upset or depressed


Don't sit crying over good times you've had
Don't dwell on past moments of happiness


There's a girl right next to you
There's a potential love interest right in front of you


And she's just waiting for something to do
And she's bored and looking for something to do


Turn your heartache right into joy
Use your emotional pain as fuel for happiness


'Cause she is a girl and you're a boy
Because you have the possibility of a romantic relationship


Get it together, make it nice
Pull yourself together and make it enjoyable


You ain't gonna need any more advice
You won't require any more guidance




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@beezar102

Approaching 71 years on earth and hearing this was an instant flashback to my college days, thoughts to smile about.

@helenarichard

This song has a deep meaning. It helps me to forget people who don't spend time with me and only communicate through the internet. I only care about people anymore who are here with me. It saved my mental health.

@guillaumetourneur3549

ditto!

@BenWilliamMcLean

Amen.

@chrisclarke7828

How are you now Helena?

@loditx7706

I’m just the opposite. I find the presence of most people onerous. I prefer to be alone with my books and animals.

@dashriprock6682

Have a good weekend, Paula.

13 More Replies...

@brother.d9979

Memories of what could've been. Hope she's happy. Keep Smiling.

@p.j.laperle355

Same here. Wishing him happiness? Nope!

@brother.d9979

@@p.j.laperle355
As long as he treats her better than I ever could. I wish you happiness too, random human. 🤗

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