Olivia Rodrigo’s song “Good 4 U” tells the story of a woman who had a male partner who wound up leaving her high and dry for another woman. The phrase “Good 4 U” is her sardonic message to her philandering partner, and it’s said in 21st-century “text speak.” Many folks don’t write full words in text messages, so the use of the numeral “4” in place of the word “for” and the single letter “U” instead of the word “you” is indicative of the kind of breakup this woman suffered. Further, the singer is disappointed that her wayward former partner is treating their relationship as if it never happened as he receives boatloads of good fortune. His business takes off. He buys a new car. Worse, the cad took advantage of the singer’s goodwill by attending therapy that the singer paid for and then used his “new self” to impress another woman.

All of this sarcasm and hard-earned wisdom is unusual in an 18-year-old. Rodrigo says that she was working 13 hours a day and six days a week in the studio for a period of at least six weeks and was burning out. Inspiration for “Good 4 U” hit her one day while showering, and she recently said that it was refreshing to have such inspiration when all of the hard work in the studio wasn’t resulting in anything usable. She also came to the realization that she didn’t have to feel happy and upbeat to write upbeat songs that would be good for dancing.

Jagged Little Inspiration

Also, Rodrigo credits Gwen Stefani and Alanis Morissette as her two biggest influences. She likes how those two are honest and forthright in their songs. The “angry young girl” trope, which hints heavily at adulthood achieved too soon and at too high a price, seems to be just as popular now as it was nearly 20 years ago when Morissette released such hits as “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know.” “Good 4 U” is in the same vein as “You Oughta Know,” with young women holding their former partners accountable. Morissette was 21 in 1995, and Rodrigo is 18 in 2023.

Influence on Television

“Good 4 U” is part of the soundtrack of quite a few television programs, including “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “The Voice, and “America’s Got Talent.” Also, in the realm of television outside the world of reality TV, the song was part of “Saturday Night Live, “One of Us Is Lying,” and “Devil in Ohio.”

Lyrics

Well, good for you, I guess you moved on really easily
You found a new girl, and it only took a couple weeks
Remember when you said that you wanted to give me the world? (World?)
And good for you, I guess that you’ve been working on yourself
I guess that therapist I found for you, she really helped
Now you can be a better man for your brand-new girl (girl)

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
God, I wish that I could do that
I’ve lost my mind, I’ve spent the night crying on the floor of my bathroom
But you’re so unaffected, I really don’t get it
But I guess good for you

Well, good for you, I guess you’re getting everything you want (ah)
You bought a new car and your career’s really taking off (ah)
It’s like we never even happened
Baby, what the *uck is up with that? (Ha)
And good for you, it’s like you never even met me
Remember when you swore to God I was the only person who ever got you?
Well, screw that and screw you
You will never have to hurt the way you know that I do

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
God, I wish that I could do that
I’ve lost my mind, I’ve spent the night crying on the floor of my bathroom
But you’re so unaffected, I really don’t get it
But I guess good for you

Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah

Maybe I’m too emotional
But your apathy is like a wound in salt
Maybe I’m too emotional
Or maybe you never cared at all
Maybe I’m too emotional
Your apathy is like a wound in salt
Maybe I’m too emotional
Or maybe you never cared at all

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
Like a damn sociopath!
I’ve lost my mind, I’ve spent the night crying on the floor of my bathroom
But you’re so unaffected, I really don’t get it
But I guess good for you

Well, good for you, I guess you moved on really easily

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Hayley Williams / Josh Farro / Daniel Nigro / Olivia Rodrigo

good 4 u lyrics © Sony/atv Tunes Llc, Fbr Music, But Father I Just Want To Sing Music, Sony/atv Allegro, Daniel Leonard Nigro Music, Liv Laf Luv

Listeners that enjoy this song about Breakup may also enjoy the song I Love you Like an Alcoholic by The Tax Payers

Editor’s Note: This article was first published July 29, 2022 and last updated March 31, 2023.