Ever find a song that feels like a warm blanket on a rainy day? Honestly, that is exactly what happened when d4vd here with me started blowing up on TikTok. It wasn't just another viral sound. It felt different. Most of us first heard that gentle, beachy guitar riff while scrolling through videos of sunsets or cute couples, but the story of how a 17-year-old recorded it in a closet is actually wild.
David Burke, known to the world as d4vd, didn't even set out to be a pop star. He was a gamer. A serious one. He spent his days playing Fortnite and uploading montages to YouTube under the name "Limit Ant." But there was a problem: copyright strikes. Every time he used a song by SZA or Lil Uzi Vert, his videos got flagged.
His mom basically told him, "If you don't want to get banned, make your own music."
So he did.
The Closet, the iPhone, and the Pixar Connection
It’s kinda crazy to think that d4vd here with me wasn't born in a high-tech studio with million-dollar microphones. David literally grabbed his phone, plugged in some Apple earbuds, and walked into his sister’s closet. Why the closet? Better acoustics. It mutes the echo. Using a free app called BandLab, he started layering his voice over these dreamy, indie-rock instrumentals.
The inspiration for the song is actually heartbreakingly sweet. David has talked about how he was watching the Disney-Pixar movie Up. You know that opening montage? The one where Carl and Ellie grow old together and then... well, you know. He cried. He was so moved by their love story that he wanted to write a song that "finished" the story in a happier way.
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He imagined a world where they actually got to grow old together on the coast. That’s why the lyrics mention watching the sunrise while getting old. It’s a song about the kind of loyalty that lasts until the very end.
Why the Song Refuses to Die
If you look at the charts, most TikTok hits burn out after three weeks. Not this one. d4vd here with me has some serious staying power. It eventually hit the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 60, and it has stayed a staple in "slowed and reverb" playlists everywhere.
The vibe is undeniably "bedroom pop," but it has this nostalgic, 1950s prom-dance energy to it. It’s simple. There aren't any flashy beat drops or aggressive synths. Just a kid from Houston, Texas, singing about wanting someone to stay.
- Release Date: September 22, 2022.
- Recording Method: iPhone and BandLab.
- Certifications: Multi-Platinum in several countries, including the US (RIAA).
- Viral Reach: Over 1 billion views on TikTok-related content.
A lot of people think he’s a "TikTok artist," which is a label that usually means "one-hit wonder." But David has proved them wrong. After the massive success of "Romantic Homicide," he released Petals to Thorns, his debut EP. He’s since collaborated with Laufey and even opened for SZA on her arena tour. Talk about a full-circle moment—going from getting copyright strikes on SZA's music to sharing a stage with her.
What People Get Wrong About the Meaning
Some listeners think the song is a sad breakup track because of the melancholic guitar. But if you actually listen to the lyrics, it's the opposite. It’s a song of reassurance. It’s about being present.
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"I can't describe what I'm feeling, and all I know is we're going home."
That line is everything. It’s about that feeling of safety you get with the right person. Even the music video, directed by Arman Mitchell, plays with this. It starts out sweet and bright—very Up-coded—but slowly transitions into d4vd's signature darker, more cinematic aesthetic. He wanted the video to feel like it lived in the same universe as his other hits, even if the song itself felt lighter.
The Technical Magic of BandLab
For the nerds out there, the production on d4vd here with me is a masterclass in "less is more." Since he was using a phone, he couldn't do complex engineering. Instead, he focused on vocal layers. He used his voice to create harmonies that sound like a vintage choir.
It’s proof that you don't need a label or a budget to make a hit. You just need a story and a decent pair of headphones.
Honestly, the DIY nature of the track is why it resonates. It feels human. There's a slight rawness to the vocals that you just don't get when a voice is polished by ten different sound engineers in a Los Angeles studio.
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How to Find Your Own "Here With Me" Vibe
If you’re a creator or just someone who loves the aesthetic of this song, there are a few ways to dive deeper into the world d4vd built.
- Listen to the slowed + reverb version: If you want the full "staring out a car window at night" experience, this is the way to go.
- Watch the "The First Take" performance: He recently did a one-take live version on the famous Japanese YouTube channel. It shows off his actual vocal range without the BandLab effects.
- Check out his inspirations: Dive into bands like Wallows, The Neighbourhood, and Arctic Monkeys. You can hear their influence in his guitar choices.
- Try BandLab yourself: If you've got a phone and an idea, you can literally use the same tools he used.
The legacy of this track isn't just the numbers. It’s the fact that it made bedroom pop feel cinematic again. It took a high-concept Pixar movie and turned it into a two-minute-and-thirteen-second hug.
Whether you’re making a TikTok of your cat or just trying to survive a long commute, d4vd here with me is probably going to be in your rotation for a long, long time. It’s rare to see an artist capture such a specific, pure emotion so early in their career.
If you want to support the artist, the best move is to check out his full EP Petals to Thorns. It shows that he isn't just a guy with a catchy hook; he’s an actual songwriter who knows how to build a world. You can find his latest tour dates on his official site, as he's currently touring globally through 2026.