About the song
“Build Me Up Buttercup,” a timeless classic from the late 1960s, represents a pivotal moment in pop music history. Written by the talented Mike d’Abo and Tony Macaulay, this infectious tune was brought to life by The Foundations in 1968, featuring Colin Young on lead vocals. Young, who stepped in to replace Clem Curtis that same year, lent his distinctive voice to what would become one of the band’s most enduring hits.
The song quickly captured the hearts of listeners around the world, skyrocketing to No. 1 on the Cash Box Top 100 and reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 by early 1969. Its appeal was not limited to American shores; in the United Kingdom, it achieved the impressive feat of being a No. 2 hit for two non-consecutive weeks, only falling behind “Lily the Pink” by The Scaffold. The song’s commercial success was underscored by its rapid certification as gold by the RIAA, denoting over a million copies sold in the United States alone.
“Build Me Up Buttercup” has also cemented its place in popular culture, appearing in a variety of films and television shows. Its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm made it a perfect fit for the 1998 romantic comedy “There’s Something About Mary,” and it was prominently featured in the pilot episode of ABC’s spy drama series “Alias.” The song’s enduring charm continued into the 21st century, with notable appearances in the 2020 film “The Kissing Booth 2” and a memorable series of Geico commercials during the 2020-21 period.
The track’s continued presence in both media and commercials highlights its lasting appeal and the way it resonates with new generations, ensuring that “Build Me Up Buttercup” remains a beloved piece of musical history.
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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