"Build Me Up Buttercup" is not originally by Kina Grannis, but she has covered the song in her own version. The song was originally released by The Foundations in 1968. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is in a relationship with someone who constantly builds them up with promises but ends up letting them down repeatedly. The narrator feels like they are being toyed with and their emotions are being played with. They express their love and need for this person, but they are constantly disappointed by their actions. The phrase "build me up buttercup" is a metaphor for the narrator's desire to be made to feel important and loved by their partner. They want to be cherished and given attention. However, their partner consistently fails to fulfill these expectations. The repeated disappointment leads the narrator to question why they are so attracted to someone who continually lets them down. Despite the constant letdowns, the narrator admits that they still love this person and desperately want their attention. They are willing to wait and give chances, hoping that their partner will change and start treating them better. But ultimately, they don't want their heart to be broken, hence the plea to "build me up, buttercup, don't break my heart." Overall, the song captures the frustration and longing of being in a relationship where one person feels neglected and unimportant, yet still holds onto hope for a better future.
