Sit Yourself Down


"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.

Music and lyrics

"Sit Yourself Down" has a gospel-based melody. It was inspired by Stills' new relationship with Rita Coolidge, who also provided backup vocals on the song. Five other backing vocalists were used on the bridge and refrain, including Graham Nash, David Crosby, John Sebastian and Cass Elliott. The refrain was propelled by Stills piano playing. The lyrics discuss aging, maturing and settling down. They capture Stills' conflict between wanting to push himself harder and wanting to find peace. According to author David Browne, the music, and particularly the way the lead guitar line plays off the melody, capture Stills conflict.

Reception

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." Allmusic's Bruce Eder praised the song's melody. 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." Ultimate Classic Rock critic Nick DeRiso rated it as Still's 4th best solo song, comparing it to his Crosby, Stills & Nash song "" for the way it moves between sections, and also praising his "stirringly complex guitar solo."
"Sit Yourself Down" was included on Stills 1975 compilation album . Genya Ravan covered the song on her 1972 album Genya Ravan with Baby. Rufus covered it in a medley with "Love the One You're With" on their 1973 debut album Rufus. Sha Na Na covered the song in concert.