RATHER BE Lyrics
[Chorus]
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
With you
[Verse 1]
This club don't close till 6 a.m.
She say that she'll be here till then
As what's up with me after
I'll probably be in bed
She only strips on the weekend
She told me that she's a fan
I'll just sit here and pretend
That I don't wanna be with you instead
[Chorus]
Rather be with you (Said I would)
Rather be with you (Okay)
Rather be with you
With you, oh
[Verse 2]
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 tеst me
You movin' spiteful and doin' shit, hopin' that it gets back to mе, babe
I would rather be back at your place, tell me, can I come back there again?
'Cause I'm over us being messy
I'm reminiscin' on that one time we were f*ckin' crazy in the backseat
Yeah, the s*x was cool and all, but, honestly, I miss my bestie
I got so much to update you on, I'm beggin' you, baby, to text me
[Chorus]
Rather be with you (Said I would)
Rather be with you (Okay)
Rather be with you
With you, oh
[Verse 3]
It's 5 a.m. and 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
[Chorus]
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
With you
[Bridge]
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
With you, ooh
[Verse 4]
It's plain to say life will never be the same
It's way too late, still f*ckin' 'round, I'm out this b!tch
I'm drunk, I'm gone, but you and me don't never bend
Take me out 'cause this shit gettin' lonely now
Love-drunk, love-drunk, you want me come home tonight
F*cked up, iced out, 1942 tonight
I'm too love-drunk, I miss me my brothers
But I'm too drunk, love-drunk, only wantin' you tonight
It's plain to say life will never be the same (Rather be with you)
It's way too late, still f*ckin' 'round, I'm out this b!tch (Rather be with you)
I'm drunk, I'm gone, but you and me don't never bend (Rather be with you)
Take me out 'cause this shit gettin' lonely now (With you, ooh)
[Verse 5]
Yeah, I can't hide this shit, I feel lost
I can't lie to you, girl, I feel crossed
Hit the strip, now I'm throwin' up, ayy
Now I'm throwin' up ones
Take the AMEX till I go dumb
I told Dev, "Go take out some funds"
I'm tryna pour up till I can't feel, uh, ayy
Till I can't feel nothin'
No matter how much that shit cost
I still can't get you out of my thoughts
I still think about you when I'm sauced (Facts)
No matter how much shit that I've bought
No matter how many times we've fought
It made me only wanna be with you more
It's safe to say, sometimes I still get lonely, girl
It's safe to say, I'd rather you be on me, girl
I ain't to blame, babe, I won't take the fall for you
I can't just fake, it ain't easy gettin' over you
[Chorus]
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
Rather be with you
With you, ooh
________________ End ________________
RATHER BE Song Meaning (The Kid LAROI)
“RATHER BE” arrives as a standout moment on "Before I Forget", the highly anticipated second studio album by Australian artist The Kid LAROI. Released January 9, 2026 via Columbia Records, this project marks a deliberate artistic reset for the 22-year-old, who scrapped an entire earlier version of the album to pursue a more personal, emotionally candid record. The new body of work leans into introspection, heartbreak, and the push-pull of love and loss — and “RATHER BE” fits squarely within that narrative arc.
Song Meaning:
Right from the start, “RATHER BE” unfolds less like a typical pop song and more like a moment caught in real time — a fleeting train of thought played aloud. The music’s underlying pulse and vocal delivery give the sense of someone wrestling with their full emotional spectrum: desire, nostalgia, denial, and regret. This is grounded not in abstract imagery but in the very tangible, messy realities of trying to move forward while still anchored to the past.
In its verses, the narrative brings listeners into environments that feel familiar yet fraught — late nights, hazy settings, attempts to distract oneself with nightlife or superficial thrills. Those details are not just aesthetic; they reveal a deeper attempt to avoid the one truth that keeps resurfacing: despite pride, despite distraction, despite the passage of time, there’s a relentless pull toward one person. The contrast between external action and internal reflection fuels the emotional tension of the track.
As the song progresses, the sentiment shifts from defiance to something more vulnerable and candid. The repetition of “rather be with you” carries emotional weight not because it’s simplistic, but because each iteration feels like a step closer to surrender — from bravado to confession. The music mirrors this descent, its rhythmic heartbeat underscoring the relentlessness of longing and the difficulty of escaping emotional attachment, even when logic argues otherwise.
Later sections deepen the complexity, introducing conflict between self-preservation and emotional openness. There’s an acknowledgment of past missteps and moments where ego and self-protective instincts took the lead, yet also a clear admission that these defenses ultimately fall short. That duality — wanting to appear strong while feeling exposed — is what gives the song its emotional pull and universal relevance.
The sonic mood and lyrical flow culminate in a raw, unfiltered space where the chorus feels less like a catchy hook and more like an earnest admission that resonates with anyone who’s struggled to let go. It’s not a neat resolution; it’s the sound of someone still deep in their own process, grappling with conflicting desires and the complexity of human attachments.
Emotional Core and Themes:
At its core, “RATHER BE” is anchored in emotional honesty. The track gives voice to the push and pull between moving on and holding on, a tension many listeners know deeply. Rather than hiding behind polished metaphors or abstract images, the song uses real, tangible moments to communicate the messiness of post-relationship reflection. Themes of companionship, regret, longing, self-awareness, and vulnerability interweave, creating a portrait of someone caught between resilience and surrender.
This emotional honesty aligns with the broader themes of Before I Forget, an album defined by its raw introspection and willingness to confront difficult feelings head-on. It’s part of LAROI’s evolution — moving away from performative bravado toward a style that embraces weakness as a form of strength.
Connection With Listeners:
The impact of “RATHER BE” lies in its relatability. Few experiences are as universal as wrestling with the remnants of a past connection — especially when pride and longing are at odds. LAROI captures this tension without over-explaining, allowing listeners to project their own memories, regrets, and hopes onto the song. That open emotional space makes the track not just personal to the artist, but deeply resonant for anyone who’s known the ache of remembering someone long after they’re gone.
Conclusion:
“RATHER BE” stands as a modern breakup reflection — a snapshot of complexity rather than a neat declaration of closure. Its combination of candid lyrics, emotional nuance, and rhythmic vulnerability reveals a songwriter confronting his own contradictions, and in doing so, offering listeners a place to feel seen in their own unresolved moments. As part of "Before I Forget", this track exemplifies The Kid LAROI’s evolution into a more introspective, emotionally articulate artist whose work connects through shared experience as much as melody and rhythm.
___________ ___________ ____________
FAQ Section
Who sung the song "RATHER BE" by The Kid LAROI?
The song "RATHER BE" was sung by The Kid LAROI & Lithe.
Who wrote the song "RATHER BE" by The Kid LAROI?
The Kid LAROI & Lithe.
Who produced the song "RATHER BE" by The Kid LAROI?
Dopamine, FNZ, Khaled Rohaim & Auz.
Music Video
Song Details
Artists: The Kid LAROI, Lithe
Album: BEFORE I FORGET
Genre: Rap, Pop
Language: English
Label: Columbia Records
Released: January 9, 2026
Social Plugin