Destiny’s Child released ‘Cater 2 U’ in 2004 as part of their fourth studio album ‘Destiny Fulfilled’. A tweet from comedian Ari LaBeija sparked a viral debate on Twitter as to whether the song should be canceled because the lyrics do not resonate with most people in today’s world. Michelle Williams, a member of the group, has responded.
The concept of cancel culture comes easily to people lately. Whereas it was necessary in some cases, according to Chris Rock, it tends to curtail creative abilities and is also “disrespectful” to both artists and their audiences.
Well, Williams took all that was happening with regards to the lyrics of the song being outdated on a lighter note. She chipped into the conversation via Instagram. She shared a short clip featuring what appears to be her alter ego, Merleen. “My name is Marleen, and I just read that y’all wanna cancel the song ‘Cater 2 U’ by Destiny’s Child,” she said in the brief 15-second video. “Oh, honey, you didn’t discern who you were catering to, and you gave your ‘Lil pearls to swine, don’t be mad at Destiny’s Child. Uh uh!”
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“If you say that someone is casting pearls before swine, you mean that they are wasting their time by offering something helpful or valuable to someone who does not appreciate or understand it,” she further explained in the comments.
Though some say the song demands “too much” from a woman in any relationship, others side with Williams because the lyrics were sung from the perspective of a devoted partner ready to give an arm and a leg for their partner.
“Hahaha find u a good man you can serve yourself too and he’ll serve you right back in all the right ways. All the lonely bitter girls mad lol !!!! I was listening to this a day before all this came out, I was like I bet you this generation would be mad at this song lol turn it off your player then! Us grown women will continue to enjoy it,” one Instagram user said.
“I believe that once you’ve experienced a good thorough man, catering is all part of the love language. Why not cater & submit when he is submitting & catering to you. Of course, everyone does not get this treatment. But once you’ve got a genuine 1, cater to that man unapologetically!”
“They can’t relate to catering to their man because their men don’t cater to them. Grown folk knew destiny’s child was talking about a relationship that had reciprocal spoiling in it. That’s my favorite song, they better get back!” a user said passionately.
Music critics have applauded Destiny’s Child for the overall composition and vocals of the song but when it comes to the lyrics, reviews have been mixed. Hence, it is only fair that others also express their sentiments and side with the OG tweet that sparked the conversation in the first place.
“When you’re listening to a song and don’t agree with the lyrics but you still listen to it because it is your favorite girl group,” a Twitter user said.
“I have been waiting for us to have this conversation because the lyrics have been bothering me for years now but it seemed like I was the only one that noticed.”
“No cause every time I listen to that song now as an adult I really have to give the girls the side-eye, another expressed.
