Build A Bitch

Album: Dolls (2021)
Charted: 30 56
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Bella Poarch grew up on a farm in the Philippines before moving with her family to Texas when she was 13. After three years serving in the United States Navy, Poarch started actively posting on TikTok in April 2020. She swiftly rose to fame with her lip-sync videos, most notably her clip for Millie B's "M to the B." Poarch's lip syncing to the British rapper's diss track blew up unprecedentedly, breaking the record for the most likes for a single TikTok video.

    Following her success on social media, Poarch signed a deal with Warner Records and dropped "Build A Bitch" as her debut single on May 14, 2021.
  • Poarch wrote this song because of the direct scrutiny she receives online. It finds the singer pointing out the pressure society and the internet put on women to look a certain way. She calls out men who expect girls to be perfect Barbie dolls designed for them, when they "don't look like Ken at all."

    Poarch said: "The song is about accepting yourself for who you are instead of listening to other people's ideas of what you should do."
  • The song title is a reference to the American retailer Build-A-Bear Workshops, in which the customer can assemble and tailor a teddy bear to their own preferences during their visit to the store.
  • Poarch recorded the song in collaboration with Sub Urban. The New Jersey producer-songwriter's breakthrough hit "Cradles" was itself popularized through TikTok.
  • Sub Urban co-directed the video with Twenty One Pilots' longtime visual collaborator Andrew Donoho. They set the clip in an android store where men can literally pick and choose features to create their ideal female androids. Mayhem ensues after Poarch leads a revolution against the establishment.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).