An Inspirational Song About Settling? An Intense Analysis

            Every now and then, No Credentials will take a break from sports to analyze the lyrics of a song. Songs may come from any genre, any era, and may or may not have been big hits.

     

We are starting this series with Luther Vandross’ 1994 version of “Love the One You’re With”. Vandross isn’t in my musical wheelhouse, but I hear it once a day at work and it bothers me. Is this really an inspirational song about settling for something less than you desire, or is there something else that the late R&B singer was attempting to convey? Lyrics will be in italics.  

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
it's alright
Go ahead and love the one,
love the one,
love the one your with
love the one,
love the one,
love the one your with

            This opening stanza sets the stage for my primary thesis that this is an inspirational song about settling. We’ll guess that the rose is the love that someone wants to share with the person that doesn’t care about him or her anymore.

If your guy can't come to you
and you don't remember
who your talking to
your concentration slips away
because your baby,
she is so so far away

So you know when you have that pathetic friend who can’t let go of a failed relationship? It’s been clearly established that this song is about that guy or girl.

[Chorus:]
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
love the one your with

            On the second run through the chorus, I’m starting to believe that this song isn’t about someone who is in a relationship with someone when they’d rather be with someone else. Sometimes, it’s better to take the lyrics literally to decipher the true meaning.

Don't be angry
don't be sad
Don't sit cryin'
for good times you had
There's a girl right next to you
and she's waiting
for something to do
[Chorus:]

            Something to do? Pray tell, what could that something be?

Do it
do it
do it
Turn your heartache into joy
She's a girl and your a boy
get together, make it tonight,
you ain't gonna need no more advice
[Chorus:]
Just love the one your with

            Jackpot! While I was correct about the part about the main character of this song wishing they were with someone else, Luther Vandross isn’t lobbying for the person to jump into a relationship with someone. He just wants you to have rebound sex with the first man or woman that has interest in you. 

Recap: Have a pathetic, lovesick friend who can’t get over getting dumped? Tell them to have sex with someone else. If it doesn’t work out, blame Luther Vandross.