Pop, Rock

Build Me Up Buttercup Chords

The Foundations Beginner Key of C 6 Chords 4 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

C · E · F · G · Am · Dm

Build Me Up Buttercup Chords – Guitar

A classic 1968 Motown-style pop song by The Foundations about romantic frustration and unfulfilled promises. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Bouncy Pop (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep your strumming light and bouncy to match the upbeat feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G

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 G

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

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

G

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Verse 2

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Bridge

F G

You know that I have from the start

C G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

F G

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

C

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Verse 3

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Outro

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (C, G, and F). Practice switching between them smoothly, especially the C to F change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, E, F, G, Am and Dm.

Is "Build Me Up Buttercup" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Build Me Up Buttercup" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

It was written by Tony Macaulay, Mike d'Abo, and released in 1968.

Ctap to play

Etap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · E · F · G · Am · Dm

Build Me Up Buttercup Chords – Ukulele

A classic 1968 Motown-style pop song by The Foundations about romantic frustration and unfulfilled promises. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Bouncy Pop (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep your strumming light and bouncy to match the upbeat feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G

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 G

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

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

G

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Verse 2

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Bridge

F G

You know that I have from the start

C G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

F G

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

C

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Verse 3

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Outro

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (C, G, and F). Practice switching between them smoothly, especially the C to F change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, E, F, G, Am and Dm.

Is "Build Me Up Buttercup" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Build Me Up Buttercup" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

It was written by Tony Macaulay, Mike d'Abo, and released in 1968.

Ctap to play

Etap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · E · F · G · Am · Dm

Build Me Up Buttercup Chords – Piano

A classic 1968 Motown-style pop song by The Foundations about romantic frustration and unfulfilled promises. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Bouncy Pop (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep your strumming light and bouncy to match the upbeat feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G

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 G

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

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

G

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Verse 2

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Bridge

F G

You know that I have from the start

C G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

F G

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

C

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Verse 3

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Outro

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (C, G, and F). Practice switching between them smoothly, especially the C to F change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, E, F, G, Am and Dm.

Is "Build Me Up Buttercup" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Build Me Up Buttercup" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

It was written by Tony Macaulay, Mike d'Abo, and released in 1968.

Ctap to play

Etap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · E · F · G · Am · Dm

Build Me Up Buttercup Chords – Banjo

A classic 1968 Motown-style pop song by The Foundations about romantic frustration and unfulfilled promises. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Bouncy Pop (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep your strumming light and bouncy to match the upbeat feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G

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 G

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

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

G

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Verse 2

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Bridge

F G

You know that I have from the start

C G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

F G

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

C

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Verse 3

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Outro

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (C, G, and F). Practice switching between them smoothly, especially the C to F change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, E, F, G, Am and Dm.

Is "Build Me Up Buttercup" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Build Me Up Buttercup" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

It was written by Tony Macaulay, Mike d'Abo, and released in 1968.

Ctap to play

Etap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · E · F · G · Am · Dm

Build Me Up Buttercup Chords – Mandolin

A classic 1968 Motown-style pop song by The Foundations about romantic frustration and unfulfilled promises. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Bouncy Pop (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep your strumming light and bouncy to match the upbeat feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G

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 G

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

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

G

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Verse 2

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Bridge

F G

You know that I have from the start

C G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

F G

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

C

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Verse 3

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Outro

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (C, G, and F). Practice switching between them smoothly, especially the C to F change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, E, F, G, Am and Dm.

Is "Build Me Up Buttercup" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Build Me Up Buttercup" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

It was written by Tony Macaulay, Mike d'Abo, and released in 1968.

Ctap to play

Etap to play

Ftap to play

Gtap to play

Amtap to play

Dmtap to play

Key

C

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · E · F · G · Am · Dm

Build Me Up Buttercup Chords – Harmonica

A classic 1968 Motown-style pop song by The Foundations about romantic frustration and unfulfilled promises. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.

Bouncy Pop (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep your strumming light and bouncy to match the upbeat feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

C G

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 G

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

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

G

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Verse 2

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Bridge

F G

You know that I have from the start

C G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

F G

I need you (I need you) more than anyone, darlin’

C

You know that I have from the start

F G

So build me up (Build me up) Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Verse 3

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Chorus

C G

I’ll be over at ten, you told me time and again

F G

But you’re late, I wait around and then

C G

I run to the door, I can’t take any more

F G

It’s not you, you let me down a-gain

Outro

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

C G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

F G

Hey, hey, hey! Buttercup

Practice tip: The song uses only three chords (C, G, and F). Practice switching between them smoothly, especially the C to F change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, E, F, G, Am and Dm.

Is "Build Me Up Buttercup" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Build Me Up Buttercup" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "Build Me Up Buttercup"?

It was written by Tony Macaulay, Mike d'Abo, and released in 1968.