<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> "Love the One You're With" (1970) </Td> <Td> "Sit Yourself Down" (1971) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> "Love the One You're With" (1970) </Td> <Td> "Sit Yourself Down" (1971) </Td> </Tr> <P> "Love the One You're With" is a song by folk rocker Stephen Stills . It was released as the lead single from his debut self - titled studio album in November 1970 . The song, inspired by a remark Stills heard from musician Billy Preston, became his biggest hit single, peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1971 . David Crosby and Graham Nash, Stills' fellow members of Crosby, Stills & Nash, provide background vocals on the song . The song was also covered by a number of artists, including Aretha Franklin, The Isley Brothers, Bucks Fizz, and Luther Vandross . </P> <P> Stills wrote the song after being inspired by the tag line--"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with" which was a frequent remark by musician Billy Preston . Stills asked him for permission to use the line in a song and Preston agreed immediately . </P>

If you can't love the one you want love the one you're with lyrics