Kate
Ben Folds Five · Whatever & Ever Amen
The squirrels and the birds come
Gather round to sing the guitar
Oh I...Have you got nothing to say?
When all words fail she speaks
Her mix tape's a masterpiece
Walks through the garden
So the roses can see
Oh I...Have you got nothing to say?
And you can see the daisies in her footsteps
Dandelions, butterflies
I wanna be Kate
Kate...Kate...Kate
Everyday she wears the same thing
I think she smokes pot
She's everything I want
She's everything I'm not
Oh I...Have you got nothing to say?
She never gets wet
She smiles and it's a rainbow
And she speaks
And she breathes
I wanna be Kate
Down by Rosemary and Cameron
She hands out the Bhagavad-Gita
I see her around every couple days
I wanna meet her so I can say...hey Kate
ooh la la la
ooh la la la
ooh la la la la
She never gets wet
She smiles and it's a rainbow
You can see
I wanna wanna wanna be Kate
Kate...Kate...Kate
Na Na Kate
Kate...Kate...Kate
Na Na Na Na Na Na
Kate - Ben Folds Five
Released on the 1998 album Whatever & Ever Amen, "Kate" stands as a defining track in the evolution of Ben Folds Five's sound, blending indie pop sensibilities with the band's signature piano-driven arrangements. The song captures the emotional turbulence of a failing relationship, utilizing Folds' characteristic vocal delivery to convey vulnerability and heartbreak. Its inclusion on Whatever & Ever Amen, a collection of songs written during the band's final touring cycle, highlights the group's commitment to exploring personal narratives through their music. The track remains a staple of the band's discography, reflecting the late 90s indie rock landscape while establishing a template for future collaborations between Folds and his frequent partner, Steven Folds. Its enduring popularity underscores its effectiveness as both a personal confession and a shared cultural moment.