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Build Me Up Buttercup
Song

Build Me Up Buttercup

The Foundations
Album:

Lyrics Meaning of Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations


"Build Me Up Buttercup" is a timeless pop song by the British band The Foundations, released in 1968. It quickly became one of their most popular and enduring hits, beloved by audiences around the world for its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics. Let's explore the meaning and background of "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations.


The Foundations were a multiracial soul band formed in London in 1967. Their unique sound blended elements of soul, R&B, and pop, garnering them widespread acclaim and success during the late 1960s. "Build Me Up Buttercup" was released as a single in 1968, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and achieving international success.


"Build Me Up Buttercup" is a bittersweet love song that captures the rollercoaster of emotions experienced in a turbulent relationship. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is constantly let down and disappointed by their partner's empty promises and unreliable behavior.


The narrator expresses their longing for affection and validation, pleading with their partner to "build me up" and provide the love and support they crave. Despite the repeated disappointments, the narrator remains hopeful, clinging to the belief that things will eventually improve and their relationship will be restored to its former glory.


The chorus, with its infectious melody and catchy refrain of "Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby, just to let me down?" perfectly captures the frustration and heartache of loving someone who continually disappoints and hurts you.


Despite its melancholic undertones, "Build Me Up Buttercup" is ultimately an uplifting and hopeful song, reminding listeners that love has the power to endure even in the face of adversity. Its infectious energy and relatable lyrics have made it a timeless classic, cherished by generations of music lovers.


Build Me Up Buttercup lyrics by The Foundations


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-ooo

 

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

 

To 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-ooo

 

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-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

Release Date

1968

Songwriter/s

Mike d'Abo, Tony Macaulay

Producer/s

Tony Macaulay

Label/s

Pye, Uni

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