About the song
The Foundations’ “Build Me Up Buttercup” is a timeless pop classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1968, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying the group’s status as one of the most popular bands of the era.
The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm. The Foundations’ vocals then come in, delivering the lyrics with a youthful exuberance that perfectly complements the song’s upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the desire for love and affection, with the singer pleading for his partner to “build me up, buttercup.”
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its infectious chorus, which features the line, “Build me up, buttercup.” The chorus’s repetitive refrain further reinforces the song’s central theme of longing and desire.
The song’s production is simple yet effective, with the Foundations’ harmonies taking center stage. The arrangement allows the group’s vocals to shine, while the instrumental accompaniment provides a solid foundation for the song.
“Build Me Up Buttercup” is a testament to the enduring power of pop music. Its timeless melody, catchy lyrics, and the Foundations’ energetic performance have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the group’s talent and their ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
Video
Lyrics
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart“I’ll be over at ten”, you told me time and again
But you’re late, I wait around and then (bah-dah-dah)
I went to the door, I can’t take anymore
It’s not you, you let me down again(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I’ll make you happy
(Hey, hey, hey!) I’ll be home
I’ll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-oooWhy do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heartTo you I’m a toy, but I could be the boy you adore
If you’d just let me know (bah-dah-dah)
Although you’re untrue, I’m attracted to you all the more
Why do I need you so(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I’ll make you happy
(Hey, hey, hey!) I’ll be home
I’ll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-oooWhy do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heartI-I-I need you-oo-oo more than anyone, baby
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart