Bootsy Collins, I’d Rather Be with You | Throwback Vibez

In the 34^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “I’d Rather Be with You” by Bootsy Collins.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 34^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “I’d Rather Be with You” performed by Bootsy Collins.

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.

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

Bootsy Collins, I’d Rather Be with You: Throwback Vibez No. 34 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Warner Records Inc.; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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