The Corvallis, Oregon native has been singing all his life, but never realized what he was capable of until he was about 20 years old. He then put his three talents-- singing, songwriting and playing guitar-- together and found that the end result was unique. Cate describes his music as "country with soul, but combined with pop, rock, and even a hint of hip-hop; it's a combination of all the things I grew up on and love." That's a quality that sets him apart from many other stars today-- Cate's extensive background in different genres shines through in both his music and lyrics. His influences range anywhere from accomplished artists such as Keith Urban, Rob Thomas, Eminem, TQ, and Colbie Caillat. "I play and love all genres of music," Cate says. "I try to incorporate a little of each genre into my songwriting. I think that's a quality that makes me appealing to so many people."
Cate entered his first competition-- the local Colgate Country Showdown-- in 2004 and won first place. He won again in 2005, and after a year-long break, he entered again in 2007 and claimed his third first-place victory. Cate is grateful for the life-changing roles the Showdowns, as well as 99.9 KRKT, have played in his life. When asked about his experiences performing in the Showdowns, he humbly replies, "The Colgate Country Showdowns really gave me the experience I needed-- it pushed me into the direction I'm heading now. I've met so many amazing people along the way and I'm thankful for the opportunities I've been given." Opportunities, like when Cate opened for the Grammy award-winning Western swing band Asleep At The Wheel in 2005, have sparked up since then. He has also opened up for country stars Rockie Lynne and Brian McComas. "I love performing live," Cate says. "I'm emotionally connected to the songs I sing, so I really get into certain songs. It's all about passion, really; if you show no emotion and can't feel the song your playing, you shouldn't be playing it. I write out of experience-- things that have actually happened in my life-- and when I'm performing those songs, it's almost as if I'm reliving what I went through. So, when I'm up on stage singing and playing guitar, everybody who's listening can feel exactly what I'm feeling."
In early 2007, Cate became part of the quickly-growing YouTube community when he uploaded a video of himself singing a cover of Jason Aldean's "Why". YouTube users instantly responded with positive feedback, which ultimately lead to him creating and posting more videos, some of which are original songs written by Cate. "The greatest thing about YouTube," Cate states, "Is the people. The feedback I get on my videos is humbling-- and I'm very grateful for the things people have to say. It's like positive reinforcement-- the feedback that I get inspires me to keep doing what I'm doing." With a bright future in sight, Cate hopes that he's able to focus on doing what he loves to do most-- singing, making music, and raising his daughter. "She's my world," Cate says of his 4-year-old daughter, Hailey. "She changed my life in the best way possible. She inspires me to be the best everything that I can be."
Best Friend
Derek Cate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you place no one above me
Your words they send me to the moon
And back I'm so glad I've got you
And when I'm feeling down and blue
All I gotta do is turn to you
No matter how crazy my day gets I get
When I speak your name on a cloudy day
The sun starts shining I get a smile on my face
You're so beautiful baby
You're so beautiful and elegant
My angel that was heaven sent
My lover till the very end
And I love you
Said I love you I, I surely do
Forever and for always I'll be right by your side
Time and time again
Cause you're more than a better half
You're my best friend
Now I don't wanna tell you
But when we get to fuss and fightin'
I seem to like the way you look
When you make them silly expressions
Let me tell you that I've learned my lesson
Don't go messing with your hair
Especially when you just get done
Getting ready for the last half hour
Despite your silly ways baby I'm here to say
My heart still beats for you in every way
You're so beautiful and baby
You're so beautiful and elegant
My angel that was heaven sent
My lover till the very end
And I love you
Said I love you I, I surely do
Forever and for always I'll be right by your side
Time and time again
Cause you're more than a better half
Forever this love will last
Baby your the best I had
Cause you're my best friend
Girl you know that I get a little weak every time you speak
And you tell me that you love me Yaya
I'm so happy baby just so happy your my best friend
You know you are baby chea
The song "Best Friend" by Derek Cate is a declaration of love to the significant other who is also the best friend. The lyrics express feelings of loyalty, adoration, and gratitude towards this special person. The phrase "when you tell me that you love me and you place no one above me" conveys a sense of security and trust. The singer feels elevated by the love and attention received from the other person, as if they are transported to a different realm of joy and fulfilment. The chorus reiterates the idea that the person is not only a lover but a close bond of friendship that goes beyond just being a better half, but a constant source of support and comfort.
The second verse of the song describes the quirks of the partner that add to the charm of the relationship, despite the occasional fights and disagreements. The singer teases the other person while acknowledging their traits, like making silly expressions or taking a long time to get ready. The repetition of "you're so beautiful and elegant" reinforces the admiration for the person's physical and inner qualities.
Overall, the song "Best Friend" is a heartfelt tribute to the lover who doubles as a confidante and a constant in life.
Line by Line Meaning
When you tell me that you love me
And you place no one above me
Your words they send me to the moon
And back I'm so glad I've got you
The singer feels overwhelmed with happiness when their significant other tells them they are loved and valued.
And when I'm feeling down and blue
All I gotta do is turn to you
No matter how crazy my day gets I get
To come home to you
The singer finds comfort in their partner and trusts them to be a source of support and safety, no matter the circumstances of the day.
When I speak your name on a cloudy day
The sun starts shining I get a smile on my face
The singer feels a sense of joy and happiness from the mere thought of their partner, even in difficult moments.
You're so beautiful baby
You're so beautiful and elegant
My angel that was heaven sent
My lover till the very end
And I love you
Said I love you I, I surely do
Forever and for always I'll be right by your side
Time and time again
Cause you're more than a better half
You're my best friend
The artist deeply loves and values their partner, and sees them not only as a romantic partner but also as a close friend who they will always support and cherish.
Now I don't wanna tell you
But when we get to fuss and fightin'
I seem to like the way you look
When you make them silly expressions
The artist finds their partner's humorous and playful side endearing, even in moments of conflict.
Let me tell you that I've learned my lesson
Don't go messing with your hair
Especially when you just get done
Getting ready for the last half hour
The singer recognizes the effort their partner puts into getting ready and taking care of their appearance, and wants to appreciate them for it.
Despite your silly ways baby I'm here to say
My heart still beats for you in every way
The singer loves and accepts their partner for who they are, even when they display goofier behavior or quirks.
Forever this love will last
Baby your the best I had
Cause you're my best friend
The artist is committed to a lasting and strong relationship with their partner, who they see as the most important person in their life and closest confidant.
Girl you know that I get a little weak every time you speak
And you tell me that you love me Yaya
I'm so happy baby just so happy your my best friend
You know you are baby chea
The artist feels a sense of vulnerability and dependence on their partner and their expressions of love, and cherishes their deep connection as best friends in addition to romantic partners.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Derek Cate
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tonyam6420
I have been watching your videos for six years now. I can't believe I haven't seen you on TV yet. It's a crime that the world hasn't been able to share this experience with me. I would like to purchase this song for my first dance when I get married in October. I will keep listening and sharing and thank you for sharing your gift with us. Tonya Burris martinsburg Indiana
@CuteChickOnWheels
I had this song on my myspace back in the day. Love it!!!!
@johngclukey
This is me and my wifes song, married since Aug 2013. Your amazing, keep on making music! :)
@derekcate
Love it that’s awesome congrats
@zabynismom
My favorite song of all time! Thanks!
@diamond_wild
Never get tired of hearing this song!
@j.dtruths5577
Great work Derek, this is a hit song for the top 40, I am surprised you don't have a record deal already, you are real talent!!! Best of luck to you, keep up the originals and you will make it. God Bless, Jeff
@CrazedBAMF
Great song bro!!! Still can't believe you're not famous.
@MrBetty2012
Great song
@ramsaymichelle28
Omg why are you not on the radio you sound great!!!!