"Cater 2 U" was released as the fourth and final single from Destiny Fulfilled on June 7, 2005, by Columbia Records and Sony Urban Music. It received mixed reviews from music critics who, despite generally praising its composition and the group members' vocal performances, criticized the lyrical content. The song was nominated in two categories at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards (2006) and received an award for Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo at the 2006 Soul Train Music Awards. Commercially, it peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Jake Nava and filmed at the Red Rock Canyon State Park in California. It features the trio at a desert, with each member singing at a separate set and later a choreographed dance during the chorus. To further promote "Cater 2 U", Destiny's Child performed the song during several televised appearances and at the 2005 BET Awards. In addition, "Cater 2 U" was added to the set list of Destiny's Child's final tour Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It. Both Beyoncé and Rowland performed the song during their solo tours after Destiny's Child's disbandment. A cover version of "Cater 2 U" was performed by Usher and Babyface at the 2005 World Music Awards as a tribute to the group, due to their disbandment.
"Cater 2 U" was written by Destiny's Child members Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams, along with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Ricky "Ric Rude" Lewis, and Robert Waller. The production was handled by Beyoncé, Rude, and Jerkins, with the group members also serving as the vocal producers. The song was recorded in 2004 at Sony Music Studios in New York City with guidance from Jeff Villanueva and Jim Caruna. The audio mixing was done by Tony Maserati while the mastering was finished by Tom Coyne.
At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, "Cater 2 U" was nominated in two categories, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, ultimately losing in both. The song won an award for Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band, or Duo at the 2006 Soul Train Music Awards. It was one of the Award Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at the 2006 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.
In 2013, Lindsey Weber from the website Vulture listed "Cater 2 U" at number seven on her list of the 25 best songs by Destiny's Child. Weber went on to describe it as "probably the least feminist song" of the band's material, but "the best song ever to lyrically use the phrase 'run your bathwater'" and hailed Williams for her contribution during the bridge. For Beyoncé's 32nd birthday, Erika Ramirez and Jason Lipshutz of Billboard included "Cater 2 U" at number 25 on the list "Beyonce's 30 Biggest Billboard Hits".
In the United States, the song debuted at number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated April 30, 2005. In its fifth week, it ascended to number 83 on May 28. After several weeks of ascending the chart, "Cater 2 U" peaked at number 14 for the week ending August 13. On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, the song entered the top ten at number six in its 19th week, on July 9. It became the group's fourth top-ten single from Destiny Fulfilled and the group's 12th top-ten song overall. On the chart issue dated July 30, "Cater 2 U" climbed from number four to number three, which became its peak and stayed there for three additional consecutive weeks. It became the second single from Destiny Fulfilled and the group's seventh overall top-five single on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single gold on December 13, for sales of 500,000 digital copies in the US, while its mastertone was certified platinum on June 14, 2006, for selling 1,000,000 copies.
In the Netherlands, "Cater 2 U" debuted and peaked at number 60 on September 17, 2005. On October 1, "Cater 2 U" debuted at number 20 on the Ultratip chart in the Flanders region of Belgium and moved to its peak position at number 18 the following week, before falling off the chart. It performed better on the same chart in Wallonia, where it peaked at number eight on October 22. In Australia, the song debuted and peaked at number 15 on the ARIA Singles Chart on August 21, and spent six weeks within the chart's top 50. On the New Zealand Singles Chart, "Cater 2 U" debuted at number seven on August 29. It fell to number nine the following week and started gradually descending the chart, last appearing on October 10 at number 40 after seven weeks of charting.
The accompanying music video for "Cater 2 U" was directed by Jake Nava. It was filmed back-to-back with the video for "Girl" and large parts were filmed at Red Rock Canyon State Park in California. On July 5, 2005, the music video was released via MTV's official website. It was also included in the DualDisc edition of #1's and the Japanese edition of the DVD Live in Atlanta. In 2013, it was included on the album Destiny's Child Video Anthology, which contained every music video the group had filmed during their career; an image taken from the video of "Cater 2 U" was used as the cover artwork for the DVD. The video opens with a fast instance of a sun rising in the sky and moves to the girls standing nude together. Each singer is featured in her own desert scene, performing individually during her respective verse; Beyoncé is seen on a diving board next to a swimming pool, Rowland on a deserted road where she dances next to a silver car from which she had previously got out of and Williams on a sun lounger. During the chorus, the group members are seen wearing fishtail evening dresses, performing a choreographed dance routine for the camera, and three males watch them from the side; the men are never filmed in the same shot as Destiny's Child. At the end, each member is seen together with one of their male partners and the video fades away showing the trio nude again as during the beginning.
The music video was shot at Red Rock Canyon State Park in California. While reviewing the video of "Cater 2 U", Rashaun Hall of MTV News felt that "[the trio] have decided to go au naturale — tastefully, of course". He further concluded that the clip "is all about scenery and the beauty of the trio". In their book, Music Video and the Politics of Representation, Diane Railton and Paul Watson felt that the presence of men "seems utterly superfluous to the video's spectacle of female bodies and female pleasures". They further noted that the video's imagery and performance managed to proceed without a reference to its lyrics and elaborated,
"Indeed, the abstracted emptiness of its desert spaces, the posed tableaux of the women's bodies, and the noticeable lack of attention directed to its male subjects by both the camera and the group, does not simply jar with the lyrical narrative of female subordination but in fact reinforces the image of Destiny's Child as independent women who are in control of their own lives. That is to say, the video (re)establishes an image of women who are in control of their own bodies, their own desires, their relationship with men, and their friendships with women."
Cater 2 U
Destiny's Child Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to let you know I'm proud
Let you know that I admire what you do
Don't know if I need to reassure you
My life would be purposeless without you (yeah)
If I want it (you got it) when I ask you (you provide it)
You inspire me to be better
You challenge me for the better
Let me help you
Take off your shoes
Untie your shoestrings
Take off your cufflinks (yeah)
What you want to eat boo? (Yeah)
Let me feed you
Let me run your bathwater
Whatever you desire, I'll supply ya
Sing you a song
Turn the game on
I'll brush your hair
Help you put your durag on
Want a foot rub? (Yeah)
You want a manicure?
Baby, I'm yours I want to cater to you, boy
Let me cater to you
'Cause baby, this is your day
Do anything for my man
Baby, you blow me away
I got your slippers, your dinner
Your dessert and so much more
Anything you want just let me cater to you
Inspire me from the heart
Can't nothing tear us apart
You're all I want in a man
I put my life in your hands
I got your slippers, your dinner
Your dessert and so much more
Anything you want, I want to cater to you
Baby, I'm happy you're home
Let me hold you in my arms
I just want to take the stress away from you
Making sure that I'm doing my part (oh)
Boy, is there something you need me to do? (Oh-oh)
If you want it (I got it), say the word I (I will try it)
I know whatever I'm not fulfilling (oh)
Another woman is willing (oh)
I'm gon' fulfill you, mind, body and spirit
I promise ya (I promise ya), I'll keep myself up (oh)
Remain the same chick (yeah) you fell in love with (yeah)
I'll keep it tight, I'll keep my figure right
I'll keep my hair fixed, keep rocking the hottest outfits
When you come home late, tap me on my shoulder, I'll roll over
Baby, I heard you, I'm here to serve you (I'm lovin' it, I'm lovin' it)
If it's love you need, to give it is my joy
All I want to do is cater to you, boy
Let me cater to you
'Cause baby, this is your day
Do anything for my man
Baby, you blow me away
I got your slippers, your dinner
Your dessert and so much more
Anything you want, just let me cater to you
Inspire me from the heart
Can't nothing tear us apart
You're all I want in a man
I put my life in your hands
I got your slippers, your dinner
Your dessert and so much more
Anything you want, I want to cater to you
I want to give my breath, my strength, my will to you
That's the least I can do, let me cater to you
Through the good (good), the bad (through the bad)
The ups and the downs (ups and downs)
I'll still be here for you, let me cater to you
'Cause you're beautiful (you're beautiful)
I love the way you are (you are)
Fulfill your every desire
Your wish (your wish) is my command (command)
I want to cater to my man
Your heart (your heart)
So pure, your love shines through (shines through)
The darkness, we'll get through (so much)
So much of me is you (me is you)
I want to cater to my man
Let me cater to you
'Cause baby, this is your day
Do anything for my man
Baby, you blow me away
I got your slippers, your dinner (I just wanna serve you, baby)
Your dessert and so much more (anything you ever want, ever need)
Anything you want, just let me cater to you (yeah)
Inspire me from the heart (and I don't care what my mama say)
Can't nothing tear us apart
You're all I want in a man (daddy say, oh, no, no, no)
I put my life in your hands (woo)
I got your slippers, your dinner ('cause that's my man, yeah)
Your dessert and so much more
Anything you want, I want to cater to you
The lyrics to Destiny's Child's song "Cater 2 U" are a depiction of love and servitude in a relationship. The song is a direct address to a man that the singer is willing to love, serve and honor through anything. The lyrics of the song express an ardent dedication to the man, letting him know that he is the center of her universe, and she will do anything to cater to him.
Throughout the song, there is a theme of catering and serving that is particularly evident, showing the willingness of the singer to provide anything that the man could possibly wish for. Some examples of the things she is willing to do include running his bathwater, brushing his hair, and feeding him. She is also willing to "keep it tight," maintain her appearance, and be physically available to the man whenever he needs her.
The song is uplifting, and the lyrics ooze with pride in the man she is addressing. Although the song's lyrics are old-fashioned and traditional, it is an ode to love, respect, and devotion. The singer is entirely submissive in her love for the man, and the song is a proclamation of trust and willingness to serve.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, I see you working hard
I acknowledge your hard work
I want to let you know I'm proud
I want you to know that I'm proud of you
Let you know that I admire what you do
I also admire what you do
Don't know if I need to reassure you
I hope I don't have to reassure you about how I feel
My life would be purposeless without you (yeah)
You give direction and purpose to my life
If I want it (you got it) when I ask you (you provide it)
You're always there for me when I need you
You inspire me to be better
Your drive and motivation inspires me to better myself
You challenge me for the better
You push me out of my comfort zone to become a better person
Sit back and let me pour out my love letter
Let me express my love for you
Let me help you
I want to assist you
Take off your shoes
Let me take off your shoes for you
Untie your shoestrings
I'll untie your shoestrings for you, too
Take off your cufflinks (yeah)
I'll take off your cufflinks, too
What you want to eat boo? (Yeah)
What do you feel like eating?
Let me feed you
I want to feed you
Let me run your bathwater
I'll start the bath for you
Whatever you desire, I'll supply ya
Whatever you want, I'll provide
Sing you a song
I'll sing to you
Turn the game on
I'll put on your favorite game for you
I'll brush your hair
Let me brush your hair
Help you put your durag on
I'll assist you with putting on your durag
Want a foot rub? (Yeah)
Do you want a foot massage?
You want a manicure?
Do you want a manicure?
Baby, I'm yours I want to cater to you, boy
I'm yours, and I want to cater to you
Let me cater to you
Let me take care of you
'Cause baby, this is your day
Today is all about you
Do anything for my man
I will do anything for you
Baby, you blow me away
You impress me and make me feel loved
I got your slippers, your dinner
I have your slippers and dinner ready
Your dessert and so much more
I have dessert and anything else you want
Anything you want just let me cater to you
Anything you want or need, I will take care of it
Inspire me from the heart
Your love inspires me
Can't nothing tear us apart
Nothing can come between us
You're all I want in a man
You are everything I want in a man
I put my life in your hands
I trust you with my life
I want to give my breath, my strength, my will to you
I want to give everything I have to you
That's the least I can do, let me cater to you
Taking care of you is the least I can do
Through the good (good), the bad (through the bad)
No matter what happens
The ups and the downs (ups and downs)
The highs and the lows
Boy, is there something you need me to do? (Oh-oh)
Is there anything you need me to do for you?
If you want it (I got it), say the word I (I will try it)
If you want anything, just ask and I'll do my best to make it happen
I know whatever I'm not fulfilling (oh)
I know when I fall short
Another woman is willing (oh)
I know there are other women who will try to take my place
I'm gon' fulfill you, mind, body and spirit
I'm going to take care of you completely
I promise ya (I promise ya), I'll keep myself up (oh)
I promise to take care of myself and our relationship
Remain the same chick (yeah) you fell in love with (yeah)
I will always be the woman you fell in love with
I'll keep it tight, I'll keep my figure right
I'll make sure I stay fit for you
I'll keep my hair fixed, keep rocking the hottest outfits
I'll always look good for you
When you come home late, tap me on my shoulder, I'll roll over
Even if you come home late, I'm here for you
Baby, I heard you, I'm here to serve you (I'm lovin' it, I'm lovin' it)
I'm here to listen to you and take care of your needs
If it's love you need, to give it is my joy
Giving you my love brings me happiness
All I want to do is cater to you, boy
All I want is to take care of you
You're beautiful (you're beautiful)
You are handsome and attractive
I love the way you are (you are)
I love everything about you
Fulfill your every desire
I want to fulfill all your desires
Your wish (your wish) is my command (command)
Your desires are my priority
So pure, your love shines through (shines through)
Your love is pure and shines brightly
The darkness, we'll get through (so much)
We will get through the tough times together
So much of me is you (me is you)
We are connected deeply
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Michelle Williams, Ricky Lewis, Rodney Jerkins, Beyonce Knowles, Kelendria Rowland, Robert Waller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@angelspivey8685
I wish people would stop acting like Michelle didnt have the best verse in this song. Maybe people will give her credit one day
@lifewithkhi8348
Rt
@learningtime4321
Yea her part is the best ❤️❤️❤️
@brandonzech649
I learned a whole new respect for Michelle when she did the masked singer , she did an amazing job and I applaud her💜💜💜
@toniatrammell249
“Cause you’re beautiful. I love the way you are. Fulfill your every desire. Your wish is my command. I wanna cater to my man.” That’s my part right there lol
@christopherparker6862
This whole song..when it came out..made me feel good..queens uplifting their kings..teary eyed i was and still when i hear this song..Michelle broke me down when she said "your beautiful"..love like that for your man is elusive and God's work..
@12nacia
Michelle's voice always get me in this song. So unique such a beautiful tone.
@dionneking8
Michelle is a lyric soprano this is why she has a rasp to her voice
@namukolosiyumbwa3323
Best verse.
@pochow3739
@@dionneking8 what's a lyric soprano?