13 Rather Entertaining Rather Songs → Playlist

13 Rather Entertaining Rather Songs features songs by Anitta, Beyoncé, Clean Bandit, GIVĒON, Leon Thomas & Halle, and The Kid LAROI.

“I’d rather have sex, yeah.” Give it to Anitta – she’s honest! On the Grammy-winning Clean Bandit hit, “Rather Be,” singer Jess Glynne asserts, “But as long as you are with me / There’s no place I’d rather be.” And we can’t leave Beyoncé out of the mix, who would “…rather die young than live my life without you.” The common thread between Anitta, Jess, and Beyoncé is the word RATHER.

RATHER is the star of the show when it comes to 13 Rather Entertaining Rather Songs. There are no exceptions with this musical compendium; R-A-T-H-E-R is a must, PERIODT! 13 Rather Entertaining Rather Songs features songs by Anitta, Beyoncé, Clean Bandit, GIVĒON, Leon Thomas & Halle, and The Kid LAROI. So, without further ado, let’s embrace every iota of the RATHER of these 13 Rather Entertaining Rather Songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~
1. Playboi Carti & The Weeknd, “RATHER LIE”	2. The Kid LAROI, “RATHER BE” (Ft. Lithe)	3. Leon Thomas & Halle, “RATHER BE ALONE”
4. Kyle Alessandro, “I’d Rather Die”	5. GIVĒON, “RATHER BE”	6. Gallipony, “Rather Be Lonely” (Ft. Brandon Flynn & DJ Failure)
7. DON WEST, “Rather Be Lonely”	8. Anitta, “I’d Rather Have Sex”	9. Beyoncé, “Rather Die Young”
10. Joe, “I’d Rather Have a Love”	11. Clean Bandit, “Rather Be” (Ft. Jess Glynne)	12. Bootsy Collins, “I’d Rather Be with You”
13. Etta James, “I’d Rather Go Blind”

 

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1. Playboi Carti & The Weeknd, “RATHER LIE”

MUSIC  → AWGE / Interscope Records → 2025

“I’d rather lie than lose you; I’d rather lie.” Noted. Grammy-nominated rapper Playboi Carti (Jordan Terrell Carter) and Grammy-winning R&B superstar The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) collaborated on “RATHER LIE”. The Weeknd sings the excerpted lyrics, FYI. “RATHER LIE” is the eighth track on the rapper’s 2025 platinum-certified album, titled MUSIC. A rousing success, “RATHER LIE” debuted and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was also certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. “RATHER” was written by Playboi Carti, The Weeknd, F1LTHY, Ojivolta (Mark Williams and Raul Cubina), Ramzoid, Twisco, BBYKOBE, and Lawson. F1LTHY, Ojivolta, Ramzoid, and Twisco produced it.

There is a lot to praise “RATHER LIE” for. It begins with the production. It’s nothing game-changing but colorful, contemporary, fresh, and ultimately, well-rounded.  The beat provides a firm anchor. The Weeknd performs the first section of the song, the crème de la crème, the chorus. As always, his tenor is buttery smooth and lovely; ripe, ripe, ripe.  The chorus is catchy and melodious.

“I’d rather lie than to lose you, girl

I’d rather lie than confuse you, girl

Truth is, we lapped them; they want us gone

Truth is, they can’t handle me at the top

I’d rather spare you the details, my love

Oh, I’d rather…

I’d rather lie than lose you, I’d rather lie

I’d rather, I’d rather…”

Playboi Carti enters for the first time, rapping the first verse. His approach is melodic, with an agile, compelling cadence and flow. “She wanna fuck, let’s make up / Ex got a problem, tell him say somethin’,” Carti begins the verse with a bang.  There’s ample sex, drip, and confidence. Also, drugs: “I’m off a bean, it’s gettin’ me – uh / She bend right back then we bool / At the top, we could swim in the pool / In the penthouse, I’m lovin’ on you.” Oh, and for good measure, Carti concludes the verse with another bang: “Baby, know that you fuck with a star.” Woo! Following a second iteration of the chorus by The Weeknd, Carti returns for the second and final verse.  Like the first verse, he opens boldly: “I’m back on the track gettin’ off like this / I’m back on the lean, I’mma talk like this / I’m back on that shit, I’ma walk like this / House got a view, we could fuck like this.”  If you still haven’t figured it out, fucking is a big part of this duet.  Supporting this assertion, Playboi adds, “Bagged me a cougar, I’m younger / I’m diggin’ deep like a plunger / I took her panties up off her / Opposites always attract, how you happy, then get mad?” 👀 👀 👀.  Later, he’s fucked up (“lean and molly at the same damn time”) and concludes, “I know it’s hard to see, but I’d rather lie than lose / I’d rather, I’d rather, I’d rather.” The Weeknd concludes the song with the chorus for a third and final time.  All in all, “RATHER LIE” is an enjoyable collaboration between two big stars. No, it won’t change your life, but it’s sure to elevate your playlist, particularly if you are a melodic rap lover.

Appears in 🔻:

Playboi Carti & The Weeknd, RATHER LIE: Dazzling Duets No. 26 (2026)

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2. The Kid LAROI, “RATHER BE” (Ft. Lithe)

BEFORE I FORGET → Columbia Records → 2026

“Rather be with you / Rather be with you / Rather be with you / With you.” Noted, The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard).  The Grammy-nominated Australian Gen-Z pop artist and rapper catches the ear on “RATHER BE.” “RATHER BE” is the fifth track from his sophomore album, BEFORE I FORGET.  Fellow Aussie artist Lithe (Josiah Ramel) is a featured guest, deep in the song. The Kid LAROI, Lithe, Khaled Rohaim, Antonio Zito, Isaac De Boni, Michael Mule, and Austin Howard composed it.  Khaled Rohaim, Antonio Zito, FNZ (De Boni and Mule), and AuzTheKid (Austin Howard) produced it.

“RATHER BE” features a sophisticated, soulful backdrop; I love the warmth of the production. Awesome drum programming helps to fuel the fire.  The Kid LAROI serves up lovely, smooth vocals when he sings. The melodies are tuneful from the get-go. The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème. The second verse is more pop-rap/melody rap; the melodies are rhythmic. I admire The Kid LAROI’s cadence and flow here: “I told you I’d focus on me, but I’ve been on bullshit since you left me / That wasn’t my plan, but you out here again doin’ shit, tryna test me.” The brief third verse is more legato like the first verse: “It’s 5 a.m., my head is spinnin’ / I got so drunk, now I can’t feel shit now / At least it makes it easier to pretend / That I don’t wanna be with you instead.” Word. A cool pitch-shifted bridge transitions to two more completely different verses. Lithe performs the fourth verse:

“Take me out ‘cause this shit getting’ lonely now

Love-drunk, love-drunk, you and me come home tonight

Fucked up, lights down, 1942 tonight

Love-drunk, love-drunk, long as me and my brothers right

Love-drunk, love-drunk, only wantin’ you tonight.”

The Kid LAROI follows with the fifth and final verse. “It’s safe to say, sometimes I still get lonely, girl,” he admits, and continues, “It’s safe to say, I’d rather you be on me, girl.” Ultimately, “RATHER BE” is an enjoyable, well-rounded song by The Kid LAROI.  Sweet vocals, engaging raps, tuneful melodies, and vibrant production make it a winner.

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3. Leon Thomas & Halle, “RATHER BE ALONE”

MUTT Deluxe: HEEL → EZMNY Records / Motown Records → 2025

“Watchin’ it all, catchin’ your fall / Alluding every lesson, losin’ all direction / Details matter, I pay attention, oh.” Oh, indeed, Leon Thomas! The Grammy-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer collaborates with the talented, Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Halle (Halle Bailey) on “RATHER BE ALONE”. The duet appears as the sixth track on the second disc of Thomas’s 2025 album, MUTT Deluxe: HEEL. “ALONE” was written by Thomas, Halle, Robert Fairfax III, and D. Phelps (David Kenneth Phelps). Thomas, Freaky Rob, and D. Phelps produced it.

On “RATHER BE ALONE,” Leon Thomas and Halle have great synergy.  They are also supported by a sublime backdrop, with an intriguing harmonic progression.  This is R&B, but it also showcases Thomas’s creative spirit and versatility. He draws first blood, performing most of the chorus alone. “I’d rather be alone, rather be alone / Than in a broken home,” he sings, and concludes, “Tryin’ to do this for the both of us on my own.” Halle enters on the final word.  She sings alongside Thomas in the post-chorus, on the lyric, “Oh.” From there, Leon continues to ‘lead the charge,’ if you will.  He performs the refrain, first verse, and once more, most of the second chorus. “‘Cause you’re unpredictable, and I’m used to having control / Risk is acquired, I pay the toll,” he memorably sings in the first verse, adding, “My heart’s bulletproof, I’m wearing a vest.” In the second chorus, Halle plays a slightly bigger role, joining forces with Thomas in the final line. She earns her first notable solo moment performing the second verse and taking the lead on the third chorus.  Despite the dysfunction of their relationship, Halle asserts, “‘Cause without you I’m crazy / You’re dangerous, my baby, we’re broken, but beautiful.” Wow! Here, she sounds angelic. “RATHER BE ALONE” concludes with one final post-chorus and an outro, performed mostly by Thomas. All in all, both Leon Thomas and Halle bring it separately, and when duetting on “RATHER BE ALONE”.

Appears in 🔻:

Leon Thomas & Halle, RATHER BE ALONE: Dazzling Duets No. 20 (2026) Rather: 5 Gems No. 16 (2026)

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4. Kyle Alessandro, “I’d Rather Die”

AURA → Warner Music Norway AS → 2026

“Warm skin / I don’t want it to turn cold,” Norwegian pop singer-songwriter Kyle Alessandro (Kyle Alessandro Helgesen Villalobos) sings in the first verse of “I’d Rather Die.” He continues, “I win / Every day I get to stay yours.” Aww 🥰! “I’d Rather Die” is brief – only 2:20! But it proves to be an eventful fourth track from Alessandro’s 2026 debut album, AURA. Alessandro, Emilia Ora, Stian Gunby, and Trygve Løkka Wølner composed “I’d Rather Die.” A10 produced it.

Rhythmic synths appear during “I’d Rather Die’s” enigmatic instrumental intro. Kyle Alessandro delivers youthful, beautiful vocals; he sounds clear and pure. He compels with his lovely falsetto at the end of the pre-chorus (“I’m tying my hands ‘cause I”). Of course, the chorus and following post-chorus is where Kyle’s bread is at its most buttery!

“Taste the salt when you cry

Showing me hell with your lies

Take the fall when we fight

It pains me to break you so I

I’d rather die, yeah, I’d rather die (I’d rather)…”

The post-chorus, specifically, sounds big and bombastic.  The palette of sounds is engrossing. Following the outro, the production goes H.A.M. to conclude “I’d Rather Die.” Although it is bite-sized, the talented Kyle Alessandro gives listeners plenty to sink their teeth into!

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5. GIVĒON, “RATHER BE”

BELOVED → Epic / Not So Fast LLC → 2025

“Rather be a fool / Than to start with somethin’ new.”Eyebrow-raising lyrics, GIVĒON (Giveon Evans).  The titular lyrics aren’t easy to figure out on this one, as the Grammy-nominated R&B artist sings them a lot. “RATHER BE” is the second single from Evans’s 2025 album, BELOVED.  “RATHER BE” hearkens back to the soul of old.  The neo-soul sound suits GIVĒON perfectly.  There is a rhythm section, including organ, woodwinds, brass, and strings.  “RATHER BE” features nine songwriting credits, including the artist as well as the five producers, Matthew Burnett, Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, Maneesh Bidaye, and Jeff Gitty Gitelman.

With beautiful sounds accompanying him, it is unsurprising that GIVĒON delivers a gorgeous vocal performance.  His voice is distinct, given its depth, and he impresses with his expressiveness and tone. Although he sings with ease, he still packs a mean punch. Evans also gets a lift from radiant background vocals.  Throughout “RATHER BE,” GIVĒON reiterates his reluctance to move on. He is emotionally attached and won’t let go.  His vulnerability shines brightly in the second verse, where he sings, “Now I’m in this room / Wishin’ you would settle down or come around / I’ve been dancin’ to all the songs that you love all alone / Lost in the dark /… When I see your face in my phone, I can’t erase the memory.” My, my, my.  Ultimately, “RATHER BE” has a hypnotic quality – it sucks you in.  That is sort of what has happened to GIVĒON regarding his ex, right? This ‘old-school’ approach suits his voice well.

Appears in 🔻:

A Riveting Collection of R Songs (2025) 15 Beastly Songs Driven by the Power of BE (2026) Rather: 5 Gems No. 16 (2026)

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6. Gallipony, “Rather Be Lonely” (Ft. Brandon Flynn & DJ Failure)

“Rather Be Lonely” → Gallipony → 2025

“Now I really don’t wanna see you anymore,” Gallipony (Matt Gallipoli) asserts in his minor-key pop single, “Rather Be Lonely”.  As the title suggests, the incredibly handsome musician would rather be lonely than be with ‘him’ anymore.  Gallipoli gets a lift from gorgeous actor Brandon Flynn and DJ Failure.  Gallipony penned and produced “Rather Be Lonely” with Flynn and DJ Failure.  The results are positive despite Gallipoli’s willingness to be lonely. The sound of “Rather Be Lonely” is one of many selling points.  The synths are warm, anchored by a sickening, dance-pop groove. Gallipony serves up beautiful vocals, flaunting his lovely tone. Reiterating his handsomeness, the accompanying music video shows us the muscular, hairy specimen in all his glory. Hot! Note: the single cover art is hot too! Adding to the eye candy is Flynn, who graces the video as Gallipoli’s lover (or ex…).  Notably, he delivers a dramatic, spoken-word interlude: “And all these faggots just kept dancing / Where’s your fucking decency / What’s wrong? / You suck my dick, that’s what’s wrong.” Oh, snap! The tension between these two hotties is, well, hot! Ultimately, “Rather Be Lonely” is a fabulous, gay 🌈 dance-pop bop. Gallipony, Brandon Flynn, and DJ Failure ‘bring the heat!’

Appears in 🔻:

Bops from 2025 That Make You Beam with Pride A Riveting Collection of R Songs (2025) 15 Beastly Songs Driven by the Power of BE (2026) Rather: 5 Gems No. 16 (2026)

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7. DON WEST, “Rather Be Lonely”

Don West (EP) → Don West / Mandatory Music → 2024

“What would I do to be next to you / I would climb the sun and the stars, steal you the moon.” To be next to you, Don West (Bartholomew Rollins) – there’s so much I would do! I mean, as he sings about wanting to “Be the sunshine in your bedroom / Makin’ love in the afternoon,” it gives you some NSFW thoughts 😈. Mr. West is a beautiful man. He is a model, after all.  Beyond making us swoon, the Australian hunk is also a talented soul musician.  He shows off his chops in his delightful 2024 single, “Rather Be Lonely”. It appears as the first track from his 2025 self-titled EP. Focusing on the music and not his tea body, Rollins and Tasker wrote and produced a terrific song that fits him to a T.

“Rather Be Lonely” commences with a dramatic, Motown-inspired instrumental introduction. The instrumentation includes saxophone, keyboards, vibraphone, bass, and drums.  The sounds recall vintage soul, firmly planted in the 1960s.  Once Don West enters the mix, he keeps the same energy. His vocals ooze with soul. He never forces things.  Honestly, it sounds like that chiseled body never breaks a sweat, despite the work put in 🤭.  “What I would do to be by your side / Try to give you all the love that you could never find.” Word, Don. Adding to the captivating sounds are background vocals, which sound primarily female.  As calm, cool, and collected as Don is, he brings a bit more during the second verse.  Still, he allows his rich, warm tone to do the work rather than gospel histrionics or vocal acrobatics. The chorus is incredibly simple but fabulous:

“I’d rather be lonely (Lonely, lonely)

Than find someone new (Find someone new)

I’d rather be lonely

If I don’t have you.”

“Rather Be Lonely” is the sugar, honey, iced tea, particularly if you are an old-school soul music enthusiast.  Excellent singing, songwriting, and a thoughtful musical arrangement and production makes this contemporary soul record special.

Appears in 🔻:

Don West, Rather Be Lonely: Bangerz N Bopz No. 35 (2026) Rather: 5 Gems No. 16 (2026)

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8. Anitta, “I’d Rather Have Sex”

Versions of Me → Warner Records Inc. → 2022

“I wanna feel you on me.” Oh, the power of desire! Bisexual Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta isn’t shy about her desires on the bluntly titled “I’d Rather Have Sex”. That leaves little to the imagination, doesn’t it? “I’d Rather Have Sex” is the third track from her fifth studio album, Versions of Me, released in 2022. Notably, the song is exclusively in English – no translation necessary! Sherwyn, Tia Tia, Ben Free, Kuk Harrell, and producers MAG and Julian Bunetta composed it.

“I’d Rather Have Sex” is a vibe from the get-go. The sound is giving dance-pop, electronic, and house vibes. Synths, a fresh, funky, syncopated beat, and some sick sound effects pique the ear. There is also Latin flavor, but arguably less than expected. Anitta sings well, bringing plenty of personality with her playful vocals. The chorus, the first major section of the song, is the crème de la crème:

“We can go right, we can go left

Stay up all night in an argument, nah

I’d rather have sex, yeah

Rather have—, yeah, yeah

If we gon’ flex, might as well flex

Work that (Mm), till it all makes sense, yeah

I’d rather have sex, yeah

Rather have—, yeah, yeah.”

Ooh-wee, girl! A post-chorus follows up, with more rather have sex, of course.  “Wouldn’t you?” she asks.  Anitta also gives us some titillating verses, without being NSFW/overly explicit.  But the innuendo is ripe, with the likes of “Backstroke, do the honors / Make it yours, push it farther,” “Clothes are boring / Let me take it off for you,” and perhaps most naughtily, in the second verse, where she encourages them to “Take a sip of the Koo-Aid.” Oh, and there’s foreplay, too.  In the pre-chorus after each verse, Anitta is honest about her desires: “Come and touch my body / Every part of me.” She said what she said, PERIODT! All told, “I’d Rather Have Sex” is a decadent, flirty, and fun electro-pop joint. It’s spicy, mind you, but not too spicy 😉.

Appears in 🔻:

Anitta, I’d Rather Have Sex: Spicy Tunez No. 56 (2026)

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9. Beyoncé, “Rather Die Young”

4 → Columbia Records → 2011

“Boy, you’ll be the death of me / You’re my James Dean / You make me feel like I’m seventeen.” 4 is arguably Beyoncé’s most unappreciated album.  It is sandwiched between two juggernauts: I AM… Sasha Fierce and BEYONCÉ.  The album still has plenty of gems, including the fantastic “Rather Die Young.” In a reworked edition of 4, “Rather Die Young” appears as the eighth track.  Beyoncé, Luke Steele, and producer Jeff Bhasker composed it.

“Rather Die Young” begins mysteriously with the opening verse, excerpted earlier. It features a unique harmonic progression and a distinct melody. Beyoncé sounds marvelous, showing poise – she’s calm, cool, and collected.  After the restraint of the first verse, “Rather Die Young” evolves into a big, vintage-sounding R&B/neo-soul cut. The chorus is incredibly effective, distinguishing itself from the verse:

“‘Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you

I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you.”

The second verse makes more sense after the song’s direction is established. In fact, the stark differences between verse and chorus make it incredibly special.  Beyond the verse and chorus, the bridge is particularly powerful. Notably, Beyoncé gives her all with commanding, high-flying vocals.

“What I’m tellin’ you

I’m givin’ you my life, it’s in your hands

And what I’m gonna do

Is be a woman and you can be a man

And I wanna say it

Nobody understands what we’ve been through

I’d rather give up everything

Than to live my

Live my life without you.”

Word.  Although it receives less love than many Beyoncé songs, “Rather Die Young” marks another fine moment in her illustrious catalog. 

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10. Joe, “I’d Rather Have a Love”

Doubleback: Evolution of R&B → 563 Music → 2013

“I thought an occasional one-night stand would be enough.” Grammy-nominated R&B artist Joe (Joe Thomas) thought wrong, ultimately.  He oozes with soul in his triumphant song, “I’d Rather Have a Love,” which highlights his stellar 2013 album, Doubleback: Evolution of R&B.  Those empty, meaningless hook-ups won’t suffice Joe.  Instead, he’s chosen to mature as a man, searching for “true love and affection.” “I never thought that I’d be ready to settle down (No),” he asserts in the pre-chorus, and continues, “See, I was about to find myself alone / But I found myself a love.” In the second verse, he sings about the lessons his mother taught him regarding being a gentleman: “Son, pick one, and treat her like me.” He admits he slept around, but he’s evolved/evolving.  Joe says it best in the centerpiece, the chorus:

“It’s gonna take a minute to evolve

But I’d rather have a love than nothing at all

I’m ready for a love of my own

Can’t stay in this place forever

Even though I want to, I just see us together

And I’d rather have a love than have a life alone.”

Speak on it, Joe. Sex positivity is all the rage.  But it’s awesome to hear a song that eschews hooking up in favor of commitment and monogamy. Joe recorded a surefire, grown-folks R&B gem with “I’d Rather Have a Love.” Credit Derek “D.O.A.” Allen, who also produced, Gerald Isaac, and Alvin Garrett for composing a winner. 

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11. Clean Bandit, “Rather Be” (Ft. Jess Glynne)

New Eyes → Warner Music UK Limited → 2014

“But as long as you are with me / There’s no place I’d rather be.” English singer-songwriter Jess Glynne said what she said on “Rather Be,” PERIODT.  Glynne is the featured artist, with English electronic group Clean Bandit (Grace Chatto, Jack Patterson, and Luke Patterson)serving as the lead artist. “Rather Be” is the fourth track from the band’s 2014 debut album, New Eyes. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Perhaps the biggest achievement was its Grammy win for Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Impressive! Grace Chatto, Jack Patterson, Jimmy Napes, and Nicole Marshall wrote “Rather Be.” Chatto and Patterson produced it.

“Rather Be” commences with refined, sophisticated strings. This adds a welcome and warm classical touch. As the song progresses, the production is established as vibrant to the nth degree. I love the keys, synths, and programming incorporated. Focusing on the star of the show, Jess Glynne, she sets the tone with some “oh(s)” and an “ah” in the introduction. From there, Glynne delivers commanding, pure, and soulful vocals. The melodies are tuneful, while the lyrics are memorable. “It’s easy being with you / Sacred simplicity,” Glynne asserts, and continues, “As long as we’re together / There’s no place I’d rather be.” Ooh-wee! The chorus is the crowning achievement – memorable lyrics and melodious to the nth degree:

“If you gave me a chance, I would take it

It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll make it

Know with all of your heart, you can’t shame me

When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be…”

Notably, there is a delightful vocal arrangement in the chorus and post-chorus. More than a decade later, “Rather Be” remains an inescapable, irresistible earworm. This was a big one for both Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne. 

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12. Bootsy Collins, “I’d Rather Be with You”

Stretchin’ Out In Bootsy’s Rubber Band → Warner Records Inc. → 1976

“I’d rather be with you, yeah.” Noted, Bootsy Collins (William Earl Collins, b. 1951).  The legendary bassist, singer, and songwriter delivered an incredibly influential funk song with “I’d Rather Be with You”. Performed with his collective, Bootsy’s Rubber Band, “I’d Rather Be with You” is the fourth track from their debut 1976 album, Stretchin’ Out In Bootsy’s Rubber Band.  As notable as this song is, it failed to reach the pop charts.  Even on the R&B charts, it stalled at number 25.  Regardless, when your song has been sampled as much as Bootsy’s has, it’s DEFINITELY a big deal. Collins, Gary Mudbone Cooper, and George Clinton (b. 1941) wrote “I’d Rather Be with You.” Collins and Clinton produced it.

First and foremost, “I’d Rather Be with You” oozes with F-U-N-K.  As to be expected, the bass playing by Bootsy Collins shines from the get-go.  Bootsy provides a mighty anchor, showing off his mean, once-in-a-lifetime chops.  There is a reason why he is called one of the greatest bassists of all time. The bass is not the only instrument that stands out, of course.  The musical accompaniment as a whole is a surefire vibe –  bright, vibrant, and warm.  It is characteristic of the lush, sophisticated R&B of the 1970s.  Even though there is plenty of refinement, “I’d Rather Be with You” has some stank, too, with its synthesized sounds (Bernie Worrell, 1944 – 2016, on keys), sound effects, and rhythmic riffs. The vocals (Collins, Robert “P-Nut” Johnson (1947 – 2017), and Cooper) are incredibly expressive, filled with desire, grit, heart, and some ripe falsetto. “I’d rather be with you until I’m through / Oh, yes, I do,” they sing, and add, “I’d rather be with you until that day we’ll fly away.” It’s quite a trip… probably involving some substances, too… In the second verse, the longing continues: “I wanna hold your hand / Oh, if I can just be our man / I wanna be your friend / Not now and then, but until the end.” Word.  The outro, which features spoken word by Collins, is captivating, and, well, sticky: “I’m gonna stick my love in your eye, baby /… You can see me coming, baby, just coming all over you.” Coming, huh? Ooh, Bootsy, you so nasty! All told, “I’d Rather Be with You” slaps. It deserved far wider recognition than it initially received. 

Appears in 🔻:

Bootsy Collins, I’d Rather Be with You: Throwback Vibez No. 34 (2026)

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13. Etta James, “I’d Rather Go Blind”

Tell Mama → UMG Recordings, Inc. → 1968  

“I would rather, I would rather go blind boy / Than to see you walk away from me child.”  Those lyrics hail from the timeless Etta James classic, “I’d Rather Go Blind”.  The late, great blues and R&B musician earned a surefire hit with this gem from her 1968 album, Tell Mama. “Something deep down in my soul said, ‘Cry girl,’ / When I saw you and that girl, walking around.” Intriguing.  James sings with incredible expression and nuance. Furthermore, the music – the arrangement and production – is simply beautiful.  The vintage soul aesthetic is idiomatic of 1960s blues/soul.

From my perspective, “I’d Rather Go Blind” appears to be about a defunct romantic relationship.  Early on, all indications suggest that that’s the direction Etta James (and her songwriters) were opting for.  “Something told me it was over,” she sings in the first line of the first verse, continuing, “When I saw you and her talking.” That adds up perfectly to an ended relationship.  However, throwing in lyrics like child, and even the repeated use of boy, open up “I’d Rather Go Blind” to a potentially different interpretation. This is owed to the clever lyrics.  The other interpretation is perhaps that a mother is losing her son, and that’s what’s made her feel sad.  I find it to be a slight stretch, but songs like “I’d Rather Go Blind” that offer multiple possibilities are truly brilliant.

Appears in 🔻:

Etta James, I’d Rather Go Blind: Throwback Vibez No. 75 (2022)   Blind: 5ive Songs No. 46 (2022)   15 Blind Songs That Totally Stand Out (2022)   15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 5 (2022)   Incredible Songs: 1960s, Vol. 2 (2023)  Rather: 5 Gems No. 16 (2026)

 

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13 Rather Entertaining Rather Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 563 Music, AWGE, Columbia Records, Don West, Epic, EZMNY Records, Gallipony, Interscope Records, Mandatory Music, Motown Records, Not So Fast LLC, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner Music UK Limited, Warner Music Norway AS, Warner Records Inc.; AmirAli Parsa from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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