Now comes the compelling CD, Jeff Bates, the singer’s debut collection for the Black River Music Group. Jeff’s was the guiding hand in 10 of the album’s 13 songs. Bates teamed on the album with such stellar co-writers as Lonnie Wilson, Kim Williams, Ben Hayslip, Brandon Kinney, Jimmy Yeary, Robert Arthur, Kirk Roth, Jim McCormick, Jason Matthews and Kenny Beard. Paul Overstreet, Deborah Allen, Frank Rogers and Casey Beathard also contributed songs.
“It’s the most honest and accurate representation of me and my music yet,” Bates proclaims. “Nobody told me what to sing or write, what direction to go with it, or how it should be done. We all just went into the studio and did our best to bring life to words I’d written on paper. And the words written on paper? Well, those came from little pieces of the life I’ve lived.”
The stories of his adoption, meth addiction and jail time have been bared honestly for the media and country music fans, but there’s so much more to the man that Jeff Bates has become. The album captures snapshots of what’s most important to him: strong family ties, the love of a good woman, appreciation for the workin’ man, and his unfailing religious beliefs – all buffered with a quick smile and sense of humor. Overall, it’s a body of work filled with surprising insights and intimate confessions told in Bate’s own rich voice.
Jimmy Nichols, who co-produced the album with Kenny Beard and Mickey Jack Cones, agrees with that assessment. “Working with Jeff on this new album,” he says, “reminded me of why I came to Nashville—great songs, great singing and passion for the music. Jeff is the future of country music, but he never lets us forget its past.”
A native of Mississippi, Bates signed with RCA Records in 2002. That association yielded two albums—Rainbow Man in 2003 and Leave The Light On in 2006—plus seven charted singles: “The Love Song,” “Rainbow Man,” “I Wanna Make You Cry,” “Long, Slow Kisses,” “Good People,” “No Shame” and “One Second Chance.”
When he was released from his label deal in 2006, Bates balanced his time between a busy tour schedule and songwriting – exploring a slightly different direction that was “a little rougher around the edges, a little more progressive, a little more of ME and the music I really feel inside.” The music that came from that time of reflection and freedom captured the ear of Black River Music Group who immediately signed Bates as their flagship artist.
The first single from the new album is the driving up-tempo “Don’t Hate Me For Loving You.” Jeff Bates will be released April 8.
One Thing
Jeff Bates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't live to punch that clock and come home and eat and sleep
I was made for something more
And God?s made it pretty clear, I'm only here
For one thing and one thing only
To love you and keep you from ever getting lonely
To be your rock that never rolls
And fill your every need, I'm only here for one thing
How many men walk through this life
And never even know the reason they're alive
And then it's time to go but I don't ever have to wonder
'Cause, baby, when you're near, I know I'm here
For one thing and one thing only
To love you and keep you from ever getting lonely
To be your rock that never rolls
To hold your body, touch your soul
And fill your every need, I'm only here for one thing
For one thing and one thing only
To love you and keep you from ever getting lonely
To be your rock that never rolls
To hold your body, touch your soul
And fill your every need, I'm only here for one thing
I'm only here for one thing
The lyrics of Jeff Bates's song "One Thing" speak of the purpose of his existence. He declares that he was not put on this earth to work all week and come home and eat and sleep. Rather, he believes he was made for something more, and God has made it clear that he is only here for "one thing." That one thing is to love and keep his partner from ever feeling lonely. He aims to be a solid rock in their life that never rolls and to fulfill every need they may have.
Bates reflects on how many men walk through life, never understanding their purpose or the reason they are alive. However, he doesn't have to wonder because when he is with his partner, he knows he is here for "one thing" only. The song's chorus repeats the message that Bates was put on earth to love his partner and never let them be lonely. He is there to be their unwavering support, the one that holds their body, touches their soul, and fills every need.
In essence, the song is a declaration of Bates's love for his partner and how deep his love goes. He knows he will be with them till the end and will love them with all he has.
Line by Line Meaning
I wasn't put here on this earth to work like I do all week
I feel like my life is meant for something more than just working all week long.
I don't live to punch that clock and come home and eat and sleep
I don't want to just end my day by coming home, eating, and sleeping; I want to do something fulfilling.
I was made for something more
I believe that there's something significant that I was specifically created to accomplish.
And God?s made it pretty clear, I'm only here
I believe that God has intended for me to achieve something specific in my life.
For one thing and one thing only
I know exactly what I'm meant to achieve and I am determined to accomplish it.
To love you and keep you from ever getting lonely
My one thing is to make sure I am devoted to your happiness, by continuously showing you love and companionship.
To be your rock that never rolls
I strive to be the unchanging, reliable support system in your life.
To hold your body, touch your soul
I want to be physically and emotionally connected to you at all times.
And fill your every need, I'm only here for one thing
My purpose is to make sure you are never wanting or needing for anything, I am here to be your provider and protector.
How many men walk through this life
Many people go through life not realizing their specific purpose in life.
And never even know the reason they're alive
They may never find their calling in life, nor do they ever ponder the meaning of their existence.
And then it's time to go but I don't ever have to wonder
Ultimately, when it's my turn to leave this world, I will do so with the confidence that I fulfilled my destiny in being with you.
'Cause, baby, when you're near, I know I'm here
With you by my side, I know that I am living up to my life's purpose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JIM MCCORMICK, JEFF BATES, JASON MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SRO701
Why dosent this guy get more attention on the radio and country music television, He has a awesome voice.
@MegaTwitch23
Just incredible... amazing songs, amazing lyrics, and an INCREDIBLE voice to pull it all off!
@PVassarFan10
Love this man. He is so good...and so underrated, its a shame.
@Mindlyn
Amazing artist!!! He deserves so much more attention! I saw him in a small town concert and was just knocked over!! He is so emotional and you can tell he loves what he does. He was also one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. He took all the time in the world with his fans!! I absolutely love him!!
@thomaskos5717
How can this song only have 140 thousand views I've heard it for years Its amazing
@FreedomTruckerUSA
Great voice and a great song - what a talent.
@tresawaters192
I love love love this song. He is so good
@inafalsetto
I LOVE THIS SONG!
@tresawaters192
I love this song. I just heard it for the 1st time. Love it
@Star42012
I have seen this man in concert a few years back. He puts on a darn good show. I just wish they would play him on the radio more often.