Good 4 U
"good 4 u" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo, serving as the fifth and final single from her debut studio album, Sour. Released on May 14, 2021, through Geffen Records, the track was primarily written by Rodrigo and producer Dan Nigro, with additional songwriting credits later awarded to Paramore's Hayley Williams and Josh Farro due to similarities with their 2007 song "Misery Business".[1][2] Produced by Nigro and Alexander 23, "good 4 u" is a pop-punk and power pop breakup anthem characterized by its sarcastic lyrics addressing an ex's new happiness, energetic guitar riffs, and Rodrigo's dynamic vocals that shift from soft introspection to explosive choruses.[3][4] The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Rodrigo's second chart-topper following "drivers license" and becoming the first rock-leaning track to reach the summit since Lorde's "Royals" in 2014.[5] Internationally, it topped charts in 23 countries, including the UK and Australia, and has been certified multi-platinum in several markets, such as 7× Platinum in the US by the RIAA (as of November 2023), with the song surpassing 10 million units by September 2025.[6][7] Critically acclaimed for evoking 2000s pop-punk nostalgia while capturing raw emotional intensity, "good 4 u" received MTV Video Music Award nominations in 2021 and a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video in 2022.[3][8] The accompanying music video, directed by Petra Collins and released the same day as the single, depicts Rodrigo in a cheerleader outfit wreaking havoc on a high school set, amassing over 522 million views on YouTube as of 2025.[9][10] Its live debut occurred on Saturday Night Live on May 15, 2021, alongside "drivers license," solidifying Rodrigo's breakthrough as a pop culture phenomenon.[1]Background and release
Development
"Good 4 U" drew its primary inspiration from Olivia Rodrigo's personal experiences with heartbreak. The track captures the raw emotions of betrayal and resentment following a sudden breakup, reflecting the intense feelings of teenage relationships that Rodrigo channeled into her songwriting for her debut album Sour.[11][12] Rodrigo co-wrote and collaborated closely with producer Dan Nigro on the song, marking a continuation of their partnership that began during the COVID-19 lockdowns.[13] Initial demo sessions for tracks like "Good 4 U" took place in Los Angeles in early 2021, where Nigro helped shape Rodrigo's ideas into a polished pop-punk sound through iterative production techniques; the song was written in a single day.[14][13] The track's energetic structure was influenced by classic pop-punk bands, including Paramore and Green Day, with Rodrigo drawing specific parallels to Paramore's 2007 single "Misery Business" for its dynamic verse-chorus transitions and confrontational tone.[15] This nod to "Misery Business" was acknowledged through co-writing credits later added to Hayley Williams and Josh Farro, underscoring the song's roots in the genre's revival.[16]Single release
"Good 4 U" was released as the third single from Olivia Rodrigo's debut studio album Sour on May 14, 2021, through Geffen and Interscope Records.[1] The track, which draws briefly from the album's overarching theme of heartbreak developed during its creation, served as a pivotal promotional piece leading into the full album rollout one week later.[17] Rodrigo announced the single on May 10, 2021, building anticipation following the chart-topping success of prior releases like "Drivers License," and shared a teaser preview via a trailer on her YouTube channel two days later.[17][18] On May 13, she confirmed the midnight release on social media, integrating it into broader album marketing efforts that highlighted her rising profile as a pop artist.[1] The single launched exclusively in digital formats, including download and streaming availability on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with no physical retail editions initially produced.[1] Promotional strategies emphasized online engagement, such as timed social media posts and a live debut performance of the song alongside "Drivers License" on Saturday Night Live the following day, May 15, which amplified its visibility ahead of the album's launch.[19] This rollout tied directly into Sour's narrative of youthful emotional turmoil, positioning "Good 4 U" as an energetic anthem to sustain momentum from earlier singles.[17]Music and lyrics
Composition
"Good 4 U" is characterized as a pop-punk track incorporating alternative rock influences, evoking a raw, 2000s emo revival aesthetic through its energetic production.[20] The song's runtime is 2:58, featuring a verse-chorus structure that builds intensity across sections, highlighted by power chords on electric guitars and driving drum patterns.[21] Instrumentation centers on electric guitars, bass, and drums, creating the track's punk edge.[22] Composed in A major at a tempo of 167 BPM, the song employs a F♯ minor mode in parts, with Olivia Rodrigo's vocals spanning from A3 to E5.[21][23] This setup contributes to the building dynamics, starting with subdued verses that erupt into anthemic choruses. The production techniques emphasize a gritty, revivalist sound reminiscent of early 2000s pop-punk, enhancing the delivery of the song's sarcastic edge.[20]Lyrical themes
The lyrics of "Good 4 U" revolve around a central narrative in which the narrator offers ironic congratulations to an ex-partner who has swiftly moved on to a new relationship, veiling deep-seated jealousy, pain, and unresolved resentment from the breakup.[24] This post-breakup perspective highlights the narrator's struggle with seeing the ex appear blissfully content, contrasting sharply with her own emotional turmoil.[25] The song's structure employs repetitive hooks to amplify this irony, building from feigned positivity to raw vulnerability, with the full lyrics exceeding 200 words to unfold a layered emotional arc.[24] Key elements appear in the chorus, where lines like "Well, good for you, you look happy and healthy / Not me, if you ever cared to ask / Good for you, you're doing great out there without me, baby" underscore the sarcasm, juxtaposing the ex's outward success against the narrator's isolation and unhealed wounds.[24] The bridge escalates into a direct emotional outburst, as in "Maybe I'm too emotional / But your apathy's like a wound in salt / Maybe I'm too emotional / Or maybe you never cared at all," exposing doubt about one's emotions and accusations of the ex's indifference.[24] The casual abbreviation "good 4 u" in the title reinforces the mocking tone.[26] Overarching themes include empowerment derived from sarcastic confrontation, a critique of performative happiness that masks inner discontent, and the raw angst of teenage heartbreak, where vulnerability clashes with defiance.[25]Music video
Concept and production
The music video for "good 4 u" was directed by Petra Collins, a Canadian filmmaker renowned for her visually poetic depictions of female youth and emotional turbulence, selected to capture the song's raw, explosive energy and thematic irony.[27] Collins' prior collaborations with artists like Selena Gomez and Carly Rae Jepsen highlighted her ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary angst, making her an ideal match for Rodrigo's punk-infused pop narrative.[28] The creative vision centered on a high school cheerleader's revenge fantasy, transforming the mundane setting of teenage life into a chaotic tableau of suppressed fury and liberation. This concept drew direct inspiration from 1990s and early 2000s cult films such as Scream, Cruel Intentions, Jennifer's Body, and Bring It On, incorporating elements of horror-tinged satire and cheerleading tropes to underscore the song's vengeful sarcasm.[9][29] The visuals cleverly mirror the lyrics' ironic blend of faux cheer and bitterness, with Rodrigo's performance evolving from synchronized routine to unhinged rebellion.[30] Filming took place at Palisades Charter High School in Los Angeles, utilizing its gymnasium and locker rooms to evoke an authentic suburban high school atmosphere.[31] The production emphasized dynamic choreography by Tony Gonzalez, which infused the cheerleader sequences with frenetic, off-kilter movements to heighten the sense of building chaos.[32] Rodrigo collaborated closely with Collins during shoots.[33]Release and reception
The music video for "good 4 u" premiered on YouTube on May 14, 2021, simultaneously with the single's release, and quickly amassed over 10 million views within its first 24 hours.[34] In the video, directed by Petra Collins, Olivia Rodrigo portrays a cheerleader auditioning for a high school squad before descending into rage-fueled vengeance against her ex-boyfriend's new partner, terrorizing her with pranks and destruction that escalate to arson imagery, as she sets a house ablaze in a climactic scene.[35][36] This narrative visually echoes the song's themes of sarcastic resentment toward an ex's quick recovery from heartbreak. Critics and fans lauded the video for its nostalgic evocation of 2000s pop-punk aesthetics and horror tropes, particularly its homages to films like Jennifer's Body, which frame female anger as a powerful, cathartic force of empowerment rather than mere pettiness.[37][9] The video earned a nomination for Best Pop Video at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards.[38] By 2023, the video had surpassed 500 million views on YouTube, reaching over 521 million as of late 2025, reflecting its enduring appeal amid Rodrigo's ongoing tours and performances.[10]Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release in May 2021 as the third single from Olivia Rodrigo's debut album Sour, "Good 4 U" received widespread critical acclaim for its infectious energy and raw emotional delivery. Critics highlighted the song's catchy hooks and pop-punk revival, positioning it as a standout track in the album's rollout. The album Sour, which prominently featured "Good 4 U," earned an average score of 83 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 20 reviews, reflecting strong initial reception.[39] Rolling Stone awarded Sour four out of five stars, commending "Good 4 U" for showcasing Rodrigo's musical range beyond her earlier ballads and demonstrating her potential as a multifaceted pop artist. The review noted how the track's explosive production and anthemic chorus captured the frustration of young heartbreak with genuine intensity.[40] NME also gave Sour four stars, praising "Good 4 U" for advancing the album's sound into early 2000s pop-punk territory while evoking the spirit of Alanis Morissette's confessional rage. The outlet described the song as a bold, high-octane pivot that revitalized the genre for a new generation. Reviewers frequently drew parallels to the works of Avril Lavigne and Paramore, citing the track's crunchy guitars and sarcastic lyrics as a modern echo of those influences.[41][42] Billboard ranked "Good 4 U" highly among Sour's tracks, calling it a quintessential breakup anthem with full-throated pop-punk flair that invited listeners to scream along in cathartic release. In the broader 2021 context, the single was hailed as a pivotal moment in Rodrigo's rise, blending emotional authenticity with commercial appeal to dominate airwaves and streaming platforms.[43]Retrospective analysis
In the years following its release, "Good 4 U" has been increasingly analyzed for its role in shaping Gen Z music trends, particularly through its blend of pop-punk energy and raw emotional expression that resonated with younger audiences navigating post-pandemic angst. Articles from 2023 onward highlight how the song's sarcastic takedown of an ex's quick rebound influenced a wave of confessional, high-energy tracks by emerging artists, positioning it as a blueprint for authentic youth rebellion in mainstream pop.[44][45] Critics have also examined the track through a feminist lens, praising its unapologetic channeling of female rage as a modern anthem that empowers listeners to vocalize betrayal and self-empowerment without restraint. In a 2024 retrospective, Pitchfork ranked "Good 4 U" among the top 100 songs of the 2020s so far, noting its simmering sarcasm and explosive chorus as a seething embodiment of female fury that revitalized emo and pop-punk elements for a new generation. Cultural essays on the emo revival similarly discuss how Rodrigo's incorporation of early 2000s influences, like Paramore's style, helped democratize the genre's cathartic tropes for Gen Z, fostering discussions on emotional vulnerability in women's music.[46][47][48] While some later commentary has pointed to the song's reliance on formulaic pop-punk structures—echoing earlier acts like Avril Lavigne or Green Day—as potentially limiting its originality, the overall critical consensus emphasizes its enduring impact and Rodrigo's skillful execution, which elevated familiar tropes into a timeless hit. By 2025, analyses of streaming data underscored its sustained popularity, with the track maintaining high playlist rotations and serving as a staple in Rodrigo's live sets at major festivals like Glastonbury, where it drew massive crowd sing-alongs and reinforced its status as a career-defining moment.[49][50][51]Commercial performance
Chart success
"Good 4 U" debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, dated May 29, 2021, becoming Olivia Rodrigo's second chart-topping single following "drivers license" and marking the first rock-leaning track to reach the summit since Lorde's "Royals" in 2014.[52][42] The track held the top position for one week and remained on the chart for a total of 51 weeks.[5] On the UK Singles Chart, "Good 4 U" ascended to number one in its second week and maintained the position for five consecutive weeks, tying for the longest-reigning rock-influenced number-one single by a female artist in 18 years.[53][54] It achieved comparable dominance in Australia, topping the ARIA Singles Chart for five weeks, and in Canada, where it peaked at number one on the Billboard Canada Hot 100 for six weeks.[55][56][57] Internationally, the single reached number one in 23 countries, including Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, and the Billboard Global 200, while entering the top ten in more than 25 markets.[57] On the 2021 year-end Billboard Hot 100, "Good 4 U" finished at number three, underscoring its substantial impact that year.[58] As of 2025, the song's enduring popularity persists through consistent streaming activity, further amplified by performances during Olivia Rodrigo's Guts World Tour, with over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify.[59]Certifications and sales
"Good 4 U" has achieved significant commercial success, earning multiple platinum certifications across various countries. In the United States, the song was certified 6× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2022 for sales and streaming equivalent units of 6 million, and this was updated to 10× Platinum by 2025, reflecting 10 million units. Globally, the track surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify by 2025, contributing to estimated equivalent album sales of 15 million units worldwide.[60][61] The song received 8× Platinum certification in Australia from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting 560,000 units. In the United Kingdom, it earned 4× Platinum status from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 2.4 million units as of 2024.[62]Accolades and recognition
Awards
"Good 4 u" garnered several major award nominations and wins, reflecting its commercial and artistic impact in 2021 and 2022. The song's music video and overall execution were particularly recognized in key ceremonies. At the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, "good 4 u" won Push Performance of the Year.[63] At the 64th Annual Grammy Awards held in 2022, "good 4 u" received a nomination for Best Music Video, highlighting the visual storytelling directed by Petra Collins.[64] The song achieved a notable win at the 2022 Brit Awards, taking home the International Song of the Year award, which acknowledged its global resonance and Rodrigo's rising international profile.[65] At the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards, "good 4 u" won TikTok Bop of the Year, celebrating its viral popularity on social media platforms and fan engagement.[66]| Ceremony | Year | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2021 | Push Performance of the Year | Won[63] |
| Grammy Awards | 2022 | Best Music Video | Nominated[64] |
| Brit Awards | 2022 | International Song of the Year | Won[65] |
| iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2022 | TikTok Bop of the Year | Won[66] |
Industry honors
"Good 4 u" achieved several notable industry milestones upon its release. At 18 years old, Olivia Rodrigo became the youngest artist in history to score two number-one debuts on the Billboard Hot 100, with "good 4 u" following "drivers license" directly to the top spot. The track also marked a significant moment for rock music's presence on mainstream charts, topping the Hot 100 as the first rock-leaning song to do so in nearly a decade and helping revive interest in the genre among younger audiences.[42] Avril Lavigne publicly praised Rodrigo for bringing rock'n'roll back to chart prominence through songs like this.[67] In recognition of its widespread performance, "good 4 u" contributed to Rodrigo receiving the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2022 ASCAP Pop Music Awards, honoring the most-played pop songs of the previous year.[68] By November 2025, the song had surpassed 2.5 billion streams on Spotify, establishing it as one of the platform's most enduring hits and highlighting its lasting streaming influence.[69]Live performances and covers
Concert appearances
"Good 4 U" became a staple of Olivia Rodrigo's live repertoire starting with its debut performance on Saturday Night Live on May 15, 2021, where she delivered the track alongside "drivers license" with a full band arrangement emphasizing its pop-punk drive.[70] The song was also adapted for her NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert later that year, recorded in a Los Angeles DMV with a stripped-down setup that highlighted its raw emotional intensity amid the unconventional venue. During the SOUR Tour in 2022, "Good 4 U" served as a consistent set closer across more than 40 dates in North America and Europe, often bridged from "deja vu" by an extended guitar solo that amplified the show's punk-rock finale.[71][72] The performance typically featured Rodrigo crowd-surfing and high-energy stage antics, culminating in a communal sing-along that energized audiences at venues like Radio City Music Hall.[73] Rodrigo first showcased "Good 4 U" at a major festival during her iHeartRadio Music Festival set on September 18, 2021, where it stood out as a high-octane highlight amid tracks like "drivers license" and "brutal."[74] The song's festival prominence continued into 2025 with appearances at Pinkpop in the Netherlands and Rock Werchter in Belgium, both part of the GUTS World Tour extension, where its blistering tempo and anthemic chorus sparked mosh pits and fervent crowd participation.[75] In the GUTS World Tour (2024–2025), "Good 4 U" received an evolved presentation with intensified staging, including dynamic lighting and pyrotechnic bursts that synced with its explosive bridge, transforming it into a visual spectacle.[76] Key highlights included its delivery at Glastonbury Festival on June 29, 2025, where Rodrigo headlined the Pyramid Stage and incorporated guest elements for added drama, and at BST Hyde Park on June 27, 2025, featuring an extended jam section shared with the audience.[77][78]Notable covers
One of the earliest high-profile covers of "Good 4 U" was performed by Camila Cabello during her appearance on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in September 2021, where she delivered an acoustic rendition infused with her signature pop flair, earning praise for its emotional depth and vocal delivery.[79] In the bluegrass genre, Grammy-winning artist Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway reimagined the track as a high-energy instrumental showcase, featuring intricate guitar work and banjo riffs; this version was released as part of their Spotify Singles session in January 2023 and later included on their 2024 EP Into the Wild.[80][81] Punk rock supergroup Me First and the Gimme Gimmes offered a raucous, irreverent take on the song in 2024, transforming its pop-punk angst into a fast-paced, humorous cover that fit their tradition of satirizing mainstream hits; the track was released as a single ahead of their live album ¡Bastards of the Party! and highlighted the band's ability to amplify the song's sarcastic edge.[82][83] Additional notable interpretations include a rock rendition by post-hardcore band Our Last Night in July 2021, which emphasized heavier instrumentation and screamed vocals to underscore the track's raw emotion.[84]Cultural impact
Media usage
"Good 4 U" has been prominently featured in various television productions, enhancing dramatic moments with its energetic pop-punk sound. The song appeared in Season 1, Episode 6 of the Max series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin in 2022, playing during a homecoming scene.[85] Similarly, it was included in Season 3, Episode 6 of the Netflix series Heartstopper in 2024.[86] The song's commercial appeal extended to advertising, notably in a 2022 Frito-Lay promotional ad for Super Bowl LVI, where celebrities sang along to the track in a high-energy segment.[87] Its viral presence on social media has been substantial, with over 1 million TikTok videos using #good4u as of 2025, often in user-generated content depicting breakup scenarios or energetic dances.Broader influence
"Good 4 U" is widely credited with igniting the pop-punk revival of the 2020s, blending nostalgic elements of the genre with contemporary pop sensibilities to appeal to a new generation of listeners. The track's aggressive guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and raw emotional delivery helped propel pop-punk back into the mainstream, influencing a wave of artists who adopted similar high-energy, angst-filled sounds in their work.[88][89] For instance, Reneé Rapp has drawn stylistic parallels in her music, with songs like "Too Well" positioned as emotional counterparts to Rodrigo's sarcastic breakup anthems, reflecting the song's role in shaping the sarcastic, defiant tone of emerging female-led pop-punk.[90] The song's exploration of post-breakup bitterness and unfiltered anger has empowered broader discussions on mental health and "female rage" in popular media, validating complex emotions often dismissed in youth culture. By channeling sarcasm and resentment into an empowering anthem, "Good 4 U" resonated with listeners grappling with heartbreak and self-doubt, sparking conversations about the legitimacy of teenage anger as a form of emotional release rather than instability. A 2021 Guardian review highlighted its "cathartic rage," noting how the track's irony critiques insincere recovery narratives, while analyses like NPR's tied it to cultural reclamation of rage in media like Jennifer's Body.[91][37] This thematic depth has encouraged mental health dialogues, with Rodrigo herself crediting therapy for informing her songwriting process around such vulnerabilities.[92] As an exemplar of viral success in the streaming era, "Good 4 U" exemplifies how TikTok-driven trends can elevate singles into global teen anthems, a phenomenon analyzed in 2025 music industry reports on youth consumption patterns. Its rapid ascent—fueled by user-generated content mimicking the song's explosive chorus—demonstrated the power of short-form video platforms to amplify emotional, relatable tracks among Gen Z audiences, setting a blueprint for future breakout hits. Spotify's 2025 "Best in Class" report on student listening underscored its enduring appeal, ranking it among top anthems for college-aged users navigating personal growth and rebellion.[93][94] The track's global reach extends to non-English markets, where adaptations and covers have localized its themes for diverse audiences, particularly in Latin America. Cuban-Mexican artist Camila Cabello reimagined "Good 4 U" as a cumbia in 2021, infusing the song with rhythmic Latin flair to connect its universal heartbreak narrative with regional sounds and traditions. Such reinterpretations highlight the song's adaptability, fostering cross-cultural resonance and inspiring local artists to blend pop-punk with indigenous genres.[95]Credits and production
Songwriters and producers
"Good 4 U" was primarily written by Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro.[13] In August 2021, songwriting credits were retroactively added for Hayley Williams and Josh Farro of Paramore, recognizing the interpolation of the chorus from their 2007 track "Misery Business."[15][96] Dan Nigro served as the primary producer on the track, with Alexander 23 as co-producer.[97] Nigro, an established songwriter and producer known for collaborations with artists like Conan Gray, partnered closely with Rodrigo on her debut album SOUR, co-writing and producing the majority of its tracks, including "Good 4 U."[13][97] Williams is the lead vocalist of the American rock band Paramore, formed in 2004, while Farro was the band's original lead guitarist until his departure in 2010.[15][98] The song's publishing rights are administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music.[99]Recording details
The recording of "good 4 u" primarily occurred at Amusement Studios in Los Angeles, California, during late 2020 and early 2021 as part of the sessions for Olivia Rodrigo's debut album Sour.[100] Additional elements for the album, such as live drums on select tracks, were captured at Heavy Duty Studios in Burbank, California, by drummer Sterling Laws, though "good 4 u" featured drum programming rather than live percussion.[100] Producer Dan Nigro handled the bulk of the tracking, programming drums digitally and performing acoustic and electric guitars as well as bass to achieve the track's pop-punk energy.[100] The production was conducted almost entirely "in the box" using a digital audio workstation, with only the hi-hat recorded live to impart a natural, humanized groove to the rhythm section.[101] Rodrigo's lead and backing vocals were tracked during these sessions, emphasizing raw emotional delivery to capture the song's sarcastic tone.[13] Mixing for "good 4 u" was completed at SOTA Studios in Los Angeles by Mitch McCarthy, with the full Sour album subsequently mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound in New York City.[100]Track listings
Standard formats
"Good 4 U" was initially released as a digital single on May 14, 2021, through Geffen Records.[102] The digital download version is offered as a single track in AAC format at 256 kbps, with a runtime of 2:58.[102]| Format | Country | Label | Released | Tracks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital download | Various | Geffen | May 14, 2021 | 1. "good 4 u" – 2:58 | AAC, 256 kbps |
| Streaming | Various | Geffen | May 14, 2021 | 1. "good 4 u" – 2:58 | Explicit and clean versions available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music |