"Sit Down, I Think I Love You" is a 1966 song composed by American singer-songwriterStephen Stills and originally recorded by American-Canadian rock bandBuffalo Springfield. Acover version byThe Mojo Men was released as a single in 1967 and reached the U.S. Top 40. Also that year, Australian bandThe Executives charted in their home country with their version of the song.
| "Sit Down, I Think I Love You" | |
|---|---|
| Song byBuffalo Springfield | |
| from the albumBuffalo Springfield | |
| Released | December 5, 1966 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 2:32 |
| Label | Atco |
| Songwriter(s) | Stephen Stills |
Stephen Stills wrote "Sit Down, I Think I Love You" as a fairly direct love song. It was written prior to the formation ofBuffalo Springfield, when Stills had just settled in Los Angeles and had begun writing songs that he felt "were personal statements and had something to say." The song was included on Buffalo Springfield'seponymous debut album, but because Stills had sold the song's publishing rights, he never received any writer's royalties.[2]Allmusic's Matthew Greenwald said the song "showcases Stills' already refined pop moxie and melodic instinct, crossed with a strong folk flavoring."[3] Dave Swanson ofUltimate Classic Rock described it as "pristine folk-rock with a great garage band feel" and ranked it as the ninth best song by Buffalo Springfield.[4]
| "Sit Down, I Think I Love You" | |
|---|---|
| Single byThe Mojo Men | |
| Released | 1967 |
| Genre | Baroque pop |
| Length | 2:18 |
| Label | Reprise |
| Songwriter(s) | Stephen Stills |
San Francisco-based groupThe Mojo Men released a cover version of "Sit Down, I Think I Love You" as a single in early 1967. Arranged byVan Dyke Parks, the song was the band's biggest hit in the United States, peaking at number 36 on theBillboard Hot 100 chart.[5] In Canada, it reached number 26 onRPM magazine's singles chart.[6]
Greenwald said The Mojo Men's recording "transformed the song into a near-Mamas & Papas graft, complete with counterpoint vocals and a warm feeling. An odd and wide variety of instruments (from mandolins, Dobro, to multiple keyboards) add great texture to the melody, creating one of the great 'lost' masterpieces of the era."[3] The song was included on the seminal 1972Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965–1968 garage rock compilation album.[7]
| Chart (1967) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Singles Chart[6] | 26 |
| U.S.Billboard Hot 100[5] | 36 |
| U.S.Cash Box Top 100[8] | 39 |
Australian pop groupThe Executives released their cover of "Sit Down, I Love You" as a single in 1967. It peaked at number 4 inSydney, 13 inBrisbane, and 28 on theGo-Set national chart.[9][10]