What key is "Build Me Up, Buttercup" in?

"Build Me Up, Buttercup" by The Foundations is in the key of C with a tempo of 142 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Build Me Up, Buttercup" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "Build Me Up, Buttercup" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

What chords are used in "Build Me Up, Buttercup"?

This arrangement of "Build Me Up, Buttercup" uses 19 chords: A7, Bb, C, C7, D7, Dm, Dm7, Dm9, +11 more.

How long does it take to learn "Build Me Up, Buttercup" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by The Foundations can I play here?

Try "BABY, NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU", "Build Me Up Buttercup", "Build Me Up Buttercup". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

(G11)Why (G9sus)do (G13)you (C)build me up (build me up), but ter cup, ba by, just to (F)let me down (let me down) and (G11)mess me a round, and then worst of all (worst of all) you (E)nev er call, ba by, when you (F)say you will (say you will) but (G11)I love you still; I need you (I need you) more than an y one, dar ling, you (F)know that I have from the (Fm)start.

So (C)build me up (build me up), but ter cup, don’t break my (F)heart.

I’ll be (C)o ver at (G)ten, you tell me (Bb)time and a (F)gain but you’re late,

I wait a (Dm)round and then: I (C)run to the (G)door, I can’t take an y (F)more, it’s not you,

you let me (Dm)down a gain.

Ba by, ba by, try to (G7)find

a lit tle time and (A7)I’ll make you (Dm)hap (A7)py, (Dm)I’ll be home, I’ll be be (D7)side the phone wait ing for (G)you.

(Gsus)Oo.

(G9sus)Oo.

So (C)build me up (build me up), but ter cup, don’t break my (F)heart.

I’ll To (C)you I’m a (G)toy but I could (Bb)time be the (F)boy you a dore.

If you just (Dm)let me know: and (C)though you’re un (G)true I’m at tract ed to (F)you all the more.

Why do I (Dm)need you so?

Ba by, ba by, try to (G7)find

a lit tle time and (A7)I’ll make you (Dm)hap (A7)py, (Dm)I’ll be home, I’ll be be (D7)side the phone wait ing for (G)you.

(Gsus)Oo.

(G9sus)Oo.

(G11)Why (G9sus)do (G13)you

(F)Don’t (C)break (Dm7)my (C)heart.

Build Me Up, Buttercup by The Foundations

2 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 142 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Build Me Up, Buttercup”

What key is "Build Me Up, Buttercup" in?: "Build Me Up, Buttercup" by The Foundations is in the key of C with a tempo of 142 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Build Me Up, Buttercup" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "Build Me Up, Buttercup" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "Build Me Up, Buttercup"?: This arrangement of "Build Me Up, Buttercup" uses 19 chords: A7, Bb, C, C7, D7, Dm, Dm7, Dm9, +11 more.
How long does it take to learn "Build Me Up, Buttercup" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by The Foundations can I play here?: Try "BABY, NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU", "Build Me Up Buttercup", "Build Me Up Buttercup". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.