Build Me Up Buttercup
View chords used in this chart
Chorus
C E7
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
F G
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
C E7
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
F G
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
C C7
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
F Fm
You know that I have from the start
C G
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup,
F G C
Don't break my heart
Verse 1
C G Bflat F
"I'll be over at ten", you told me time and again
C F
But you're late, I wait around and then
C G Bflat F
I went to the door, I can't take any more
C F
It's not you, you let me down again
G Gflat F
(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
F F# G
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you mine
G Gflat F
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
F#m G
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
Chorus
C E7
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
F G
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
C E7
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
F G
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
C C7
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
F Fm
You know that I have from the start
C G
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup,
F C G
Don't break my heart
C G Bflat F
You were my toy but I could be the boy you adore
C F
If you'd just let me know
C G
Although you're untrue,
Bflat F C
I'm attracted to you all the more
F
Why do I need you so
G Gflat F
(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
F F# G
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I'll make you mine
G Gflat F
(Hey, hey, hey!) I'll be home
F#m G
I'll be beside the phone waiting for you
Ooo-oo-ooo, ooo-oo-ooo
C E7
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
F G
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
C E7
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
F G
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
C C7
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
F Fm
You know that I have from the start
C G
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup,
F G C
Don't break my heart
Drums solo
C E7
Why do you build me up (build me up) Buttercup, baby
F G
Just to let me down (let me down) and mess me around
C E7
And then worst of all (worst of all) you never call, baby
F G
When you say you will (say you will) but I love you still
C C7
I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin'
F Fm
You know that I have from the start
C G
So build me up (build me up) Buttercup,
F G C
Don't break my heart
How to play Build Me Up Buttercup
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.