One of my all time favorite songs, from one of my favorite albums. This song inspired a myriad of musicians and set the tone for tracks like The Ballad of Dorothy Parker. The track's deep bassline, live drums with a beat machine, horns, inspired piano and organ are tightly arranged with Sly's empassioned vocals. The ending of the track where Sly states "I'm Through Man" over the ending piano chords is as unorthodox as it is creative and effective. Sly really outdid himself on this track. I read an interview coducted with Larry Graham in the late 90's on a Sly Stone fan site where Graham stated that Sly played the bass on this track. Graham also went on to state how great a bass player Sly is, further proof that Sly's genius works desperately need remastering.

If You Want Me To Stay set the tone for Camille and Family Affair set the tone for Dorothy Parker

it has a Funky Vamp that just rocks your Mind.it can be Argued it's one of the Funkiest Jams that Al Green didn't do.Sly hasn't gotten full due at all.

great song..(too bad nobody taught it to musiq before that aftershow disk was recorded...)

the entire 'fresh' album by sly stone is great...

rio said:

It sure is. I listen to it monthly.

But, how much of the bass playing was Sly's?

ThreadBare said:

I read somewhere that Larry Graham is the bassplayer on
"Que sera sera" & that Rusty Allen playes on "In Time"
& "Thankful ´n Thoughtful" & that the rest of the track
it´s Sly playing all the bass.It was a long time ago I
read it but I think it was those titles.

also Sly apperently plays everything on some stuff on
"There´s a riot going on" as well as the bass in
"You can make it if you try" from "Stand!"
/peace manki

If You Want Me to Stay is one of Sly's best jams. Great stuff. Sly Stone is a pioneer of funk music. It's too bad that his career was cut short by substance abuse.

He should be out there on the road touring like James Brown, George Clinton and P Funk are still out there.

First time I heard IF U WANT ME TO STAY was a RHCP version, and I just LOVED IT!! When I realized it was Sly & the family stones's song I had to hear the real version, and I think its great! Definitely ONE of the most funkiest song I've ever heard!

I mentioned this joint in WildHeartXXX's thread. It's a great song! The intro kicks! Once again, whenever I hear it, I always imagine T-Boz singing it.

Sandra said:

I like the Chili Peppers version as well.

manki said:

You're right!!!

-SWANGandSlygohandinhand

I absolutely fucking LOVE this song!

It is one of my favourites of all time.

UptownDeb said:

You know something UptownDeb...T-Boz would sound just right for this song. (LOL)..Harlepolis says he sings like she's just getting up in the morning...