“To Be with You” is a soft rock and acoustic ballad by Mr. Big, released in December 1991 with “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” on the B-side as the second single from their album Lean into It. The song became the band’s biggest hit, known for its simple yet heartfelt lyrics, catchy melody, and singalong chorus.
To Be with You is about unrequited love and longing, with the narrator hoping to be more than just a friend to someone who has been hurt in a past relationship. The song features a stripped-down, acoustic arrangement, with warm harmonies, gentle guitar strumming, and a laid-back groove. Eric Martin’s smooth and emotive vocals carry the song, while the group harmonies in the chorus make it irresistibly singable. Unlike Mr. Big’s usual hard rock and virtuosic guitar-driven style, this track showcases a softer, more melodic side of the band.
The song was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1992, staying there for three weeks. It also topped charts in several other countries, including Australia, Canada and Germany, making Mr. Big an international sensation.