Sit Yourself Down

"Sit Yourself Down"
Single by Stephen Stills
from the album Stephen Stills
B-side "We Are Not Helpless"
Released 1971
Format 7" single
Genre Rock
Length 2:40
Label Atlantic
Writer(s) Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills singles chronology
"Love the One You're With"
(1970)		 "Sit Yourself Down"
(1971)		 "Change Partners"
(1971)

"Sit Yourself Down" is a song written by Stephen Stills that was released on his 1970 solo debut album Stephen Stills. It was also released as the second single from the album, following the Top 20 hit "Love the One You're With." and reached the Top 40, peaking at #37.[1]

"Sit Yourself Down" has a gospel-based melody.[2][3] It was inspired by Stills' new relationship with Rita Coolidge, who also provided backup vocals on the song.[2] Five other backing vocalists were used on the bridge and refrain, including Graham Nash, David Crosby, John Sebastian and Cass Elliott.[4][3] The refrain was propelled by Stills piano playing.[2][3] The lyrics discuss aging, maturing and settling down.[2][3] They capture Stills' conflict between wanting to push himself harder and wanting to find peace.[2] According to author David Browne, the music, and particularly the way t he lead guitar line plays off the melody, capture Stills conflict.[2]

Allmusic critic Matthew Greenwald called "Sit Yourself Down" "one of the more polished songs on the Stephen Stills solo album" and described the effect of the background singers combining with Stills on the bridge and refrain to be "beguiling."[3] Allmusic's Bruce Eder praised the song's melody.[4] Billboard Magazine called it a "steady rock ballad" that it expected to follow the chart success of "Love the One You're With," although the magazine later felt that Stills next single, "Change Partners" which ultimately missed the Top 40, had more "sales and chart potency."[5][6]

"Sit Yourself Dwon" was included on Still's 1975 compilation album Still Stills: The Best of Stephen Stills.[7] Genya Ravan covered the song on her 1972 album Genya Ravan with Baby.[8] Rufus covered it in a medley with "Love the One You're With" on their 1973 debut album Rufus.[9] Sha Na Na covered the song in concert.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Stephen Stills awards". Allmusic. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Browne, D. (2011). Fire and Rain: The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, CSNY, and the Bittersweet Story Of 1970. Da Capo Press. pp. 271, 285. ISBN 9780306819865.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Greenwald, M. Sit Yourself Down. Allmusic. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Eder, B. "Stephen Stills". Allmusic. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  5. ↑ "Top 60 Pop Spotlight". Billboard Magazine. February 27, 1971. p. 45. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  6. ↑ "Top 60 Pop Spotlight". Billboard Magazine. May 29, 1971. p. 66. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  7. ↑ "Still Stills: The Best of Stephen Stills". Allmusic. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  8. ↑ Viglione, J. "Genya Ravan with Baby". Allmusic. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  9. ↑ Henderson, A. "Rufus". Allmusic. Retrieved 2014-10-19.
  10. ↑ Garten, C. (August 21, 1971). "Talent in Action". Billboard Magazine. p. 18. Retrieved 2014-10-19.