time can heal, but this won't: the playlist
July 30, 2015 6:16 AM   Subscribe

Working on a playlist of fun, catchy pop songs by women whose underlying (or overt) message is simply, "No, seriously, fuck you. FOREVER." Can you help?

"Fuck You" by Lily Allen is an obvious example, but that's more about calling out bigots at large as opposed to telling someone to fuck off for treating you poorly on a personal level. "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson and "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift are more along the lines of what I'm looking for. I feel like there has to be at least one Nicki Minaj song for this kind of occasion and I'm just totally spacing on what it is.

Slick, overproduced top 40 kinda stuff is great, rap songs would be even better. Nothing remotely country/pop-country or indie rock, please, and definitely no songs by dudes. Bonus points for videos that involve women blowing shit up!
posted by divined by radio to Media & Arts (72 answers total) 84 users marked this as a favorite
 
Beyonce - Ring Off, maybe? Specifically about moving on after divorce and so good.
posted by SugarAndSass at 6:35 AM on July 30, 2015




I am so excited about what will be shared here! My suggestions: Beyoncé, Irreplaceable and Best Thing I Never Had (both link to videos). Flawless is also just a good track to say "I do what I want!"
posted by thefang at 6:37 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]


- Stronger by Britney Spears
- Another good Kelly Clarkson one is Since U Been Gone. And also Stronger.
- Get Gone by Fiona Apple (Paper Bag is also pretty cutting)
- Irreplaceable by Beyonce (lots of Beyonce and Destiny's Child songs should fit the bill)
- It's Not Right, But It's Okay by Whitney Houston
- FU by Miley Cyrus (although it does have a dude rapping in the middle)
- You Oughta Know by Alanis Morisette
- Hit Em Up Style by Blu Cantrell
- Bulletproof by La Roux
posted by like_neon at 6:38 AM on July 30, 2015 [5 favorites]


Rihanna, Take a Bow.
posted by vers at 6:39 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Martina Mcbride Independance day is about... well, murdering a bad spouse and burning the house down. But, hey, its catchy!

Ditto Dixie Chicks Goodbye Earl (Minus houses on fire)

And yeah, you said no country, but you did include Swift....
posted by Jacen at 6:41 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Are You Fucking Kidding Me? - Kate Miller-Heidke

I Was Cruel - Magic Dirt (is this indie rock? I don't know but I just love it so I'm sharing)
posted by h00py at 6:41 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


I Will Survive is the ur-example of this, no?

I feel like 212 by Azealia Banks would fit. Are you specifically looking for a fuck-you to a guy/ex-partner? If not, maybe Becky by Be Your Own Pet?
posted by corvine at 6:41 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Lil Kim - Fuck You
posted by SugarAndSass at 6:41 AM on July 30, 2015


You're already familiar with Lily Allen, I gather, but I reckon Smile ticks all the boxes, just in case
posted by Quilford at 6:42 AM on July 30, 2015 [4 favorites]


JoJo - Leave (Get Out)
posted by Rock Steady at 6:42 AM on July 30, 2015


I feel like there has to be at least one Nicki Minaj song for this kind of occasion

OH OH OH OH Did It On 'Em

It is literally about pooping on your enemies.
posted by Metroid Baby at 6:46 AM on July 30, 2015 [8 favorites]


(Are Garbage too indie-rock? Vow)
posted by corvine at 6:46 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Okay, I'm pretty sure this is indie rock but it's PJ Harvey so how could you not love it?
posted by h00py at 6:46 AM on July 30, 2015


OH MY GOD how could I forget Icona Pop feat. Charlie XCX - I Love It?
posted by SugarAndSass at 6:46 AM on July 30, 2015 [9 favorites]


Jerk by Kim Stockwood is pretty memorable and catchy.
posted by Calzephyr at 6:47 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


We are Never Getting Back Together Taylor Swift
posted by cecic at 6:48 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]


Oh one more as I'm listening to it and it's perfect - Unapologetic Bitch by Madonna
posted by like_neon at 6:56 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


I'm just going to keep posting because thinking about this is kinda fun...

Little Mix - Wings
Robyn has a few songs that could fit this - Cobrastyle, Konichiwa Bitches, U Should Know Better (feat. Snoop Dogg, so that might disqualify it),
En Vogue - My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)
Pink - So What
posted by SugarAndSass at 7:03 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


Special by Garbage. In my early 20s, this was my kiss-off song, enough to where one guy I was dating heard it when he came to pick up and immediately wondered out loud if I was going to break up with him. (I didn't; I just wanted to hear it.)
posted by Kitteh at 7:04 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


Response by poster: Are you specifically looking for a fuck-you to a guy/ex-partner?

More like, "I just found out that I wasted a whole lot of years of my life defending you for no reason at all, because as it happens, you're the physical manifestation of an overflowing dumpster that should be strapped to a rocket aimed at the sun." But there is a significant amount of overlap between the two categories, especially in pop songs.

OH OH OH OH Did It On 'Em

YES, THERE IT IS.

For anyone who is not country-averse and would like their playlist to lean more toward a "fuck you, ex-dude" vibe, please check out "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood and then spend a couple of minutes daydreaming about how great it would feel to put a brick through the windshield of an unoccupied vehicle. This and the Blu Cantrell song linked above are my go-to jams for that particular feeling.

You guys are so awesome, thank you!
posted by divined by radio at 7:10 AM on July 30, 2015 [11 favorites]


Sara Bareilles' cover of Cee Lo Green's "Fuck You" is pretty spot on.
posted by hepta at 7:20 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


If you want a jazzy interlude, there's Everything I've got perfomed by Ella Fitzgerald.
posted by saffry at 7:33 AM on July 30, 2015


Fiona Apple, Sleep to Dream.
posted by vers at 7:33 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]


Ke$ha, Thinking Of You ("Can I hit you later? Gotta get to stage / In a brand new city, gettin’ laid.")
Charli XCX, Sucker or You (Ha Ha Ha) ("Hope you realize now that I am never coming home / You were meant to be alone")
G.R.L., Ugly Heart ("it's such a pity a boy so pretty / With an ugly heart")
Azealia Banks, Chasing Time ("Am I chasing time? 'Cos I wasted all mine on you")
Demi Lovato and Cher Lloyd, Really Don't Care ("I can't believe I ever stayed up writing songs about you")
Tove Stryke, Even If I'm Loud It Doesn't Mean I'm Talking To You ("I hope you hit the ground hard when you fell for yourself")
Sugababes, Hole in the Head ("Seven hours, what you calling for? / A bunch of flowers and I slam the door. / You're in my face, sorry what's your name?")

Also maybe eg Rachel Stevens, Sweet Dreams My LA Ex; Mei Feingold, Same Heart; Ciara, I'm Out (which has a Nicki bit); Tegan and Sara, I Was A Fool.
posted by severalbees at 7:39 AM on July 30, 2015 [4 favorites]


Jasmine Sullivan's Bust Your Windows. Old school fuck off: Scandal's 1982 Goodbye to You.
posted by lurkElongtime at 7:40 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


Erykah Badu's Tyrone.
posted by lurkElongtime at 7:53 AM on July 30, 2015 [8 favorites]


I always liked Shakespear's Sister, "You're History."
posted by dlugoczaj at 8:22 AM on July 30, 2015


"These Things We Say, " Ms. Led
posted by holborne at 8:29 AM on July 30, 2015


Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money" is pure "Fuck You, Pay Me."
Try this R3hab Remix.
posted by lakemarie at 8:30 AM on July 30, 2015


Ooh, "All Over Now" is an epic kiss-off song by Aimee Mann about defending an idiot to other people. Lot of stuff on I'm With Stupid fits the bill, actually.
posted by emjaybee at 8:59 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


More like, "I just found out that I wasted a whole lot of years of my life defending you for no reason at all, because as it happens, you're the physical manifestation of an overflowing dumpster that should be strapped to a rocket aimed at the sun."

So many Aimee Mann songs fit that bill, especially on Bachelor No.2. Nothing is Good Enough
posted by lurkElongtime at 9:00 AM on July 30, 2015 [6 favorites]


Man Like That - Gin Wigmore
Done - The Band Perry
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 9:01 AM on July 30, 2015


Are you open to a woman & man duet, with both parties celebrating their release? Lush did a song with Jarvis Cocker on their last LP.

Sample lyrics:
Ive been so happy since I walked away
I never thought that I could
Feel as great as I do today
cause you were nothing but a big mistake
And life is wonderful, now that I'm rid of you
Ciao!
posted by Nerd of the North at 9:27 AM on July 30, 2015


C'mon no one's Just Go by Blondie!
posted by brookeb at 9:34 AM on July 30, 2015


Alanis Morrissette's You Oughta Know is a classic for a reason.
posted by domo at 10:01 AM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


Take That Ride, by Emmylou
posted by mmiddle at 10:08 AM on July 30, 2015


"Cry for You" by September is more of a "you're boring and I'm moving on" song than a "fuck you" song. It's fun, catchy, and danceable. The video includes a laser-pistol fight between Swedish clones in tight spandex space suits.
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 10:20 AM on July 30, 2015


Super Rat by Honeyblood:

"I will hate you forever
Scum bag, sleaze,
slime ball, grease,
You really do disgust meeeeeee.....!"
posted by cocoagirl at 10:21 AM on July 30, 2015


"Untouchable Face" by Ani Difranco

"So fuck you
And your untouchable face
Fuck you
For existing in the first place
And who am I ..."
posted by jrchaplin at 10:27 AM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]


These Boots Are Made For Walkin' (and they'll walk all over you)-Nancy Sinatra
posted by SemiSalt at 10:49 AM on July 30, 2015


Response by poster: I should note that I'm not in any kind of emotional condition to get anywhere near the usual patron saints of this genre (Fiona, Ani, Aimee, et al.) right now -- hence the "fun, catchy pop" disclaimer up top -- but I am loving the suggestions nonetheless.
posted by divined by radio at 10:59 AM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Mariah Carey - "It's Like That" and "Shake It Off". The latter particularly for the storyline of calling your ex's voicemail just to leave the mother of all fuck-off voicemails: "Hold up my phone's breakin' up, I'ma hang up and call the machine right back, I gotta get this off of my mind.."
posted by nakedmolerats at 12:15 PM on July 30, 2015


Breakin' Up by Rilo Kiley
posted by iximox at 12:20 PM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


Cheryl Cole - I don't care
posted by intensitymultiply at 12:50 PM on July 30, 2015


I've always thought of Control by Poe to be pure fury.
posted by korej at 1:20 PM on July 30, 2015


I have a particular fondness for Asian pop stars, I think they use the contrast of 'fuck you' lyrics and poppy sound and stellar hooks to make a good contrast.

Jolin Tsai - The Greatest Artist (English Subtitles) (the message in this one is amazing, it's about how you are the greatest artist, rather than being the muse and following another man's genius. Also with the shoutout to the emotional labor involved with supporting so. Jolin is a queen!)
Jolin Tsai featuring Namie Amuro - I'm Not Yours (English Subtitles in closed captioning) This is a major fuck off song, and it comes with a Tang Dynasty story and two of the baddest pop stars in Asia.
2NE1 - Go Away (English Subtitles)
Nine Muses - NEWS (English Subtitles)
Girls Generation - Run Devil Run (English Subtitles)
2NE1 - Hate You (English Subtitles)
Namie Amuro and AI - "FAKE"
Translation of FAKE

Not Asian:
Beyonce - Why Don't You Love Me
posted by yueliang at 1:34 PM on July 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


"I Quit" by Hepburn (from Buffy the vampire slayer):

And I'm so sorry that I can't be your mother
And I'm telling you now?
I Quit! I Quit!
'Cos loving you's a job I don't need
Ain't gonna go to work no more
posted by hz37 at 1:34 PM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Lush, Ladykillers
and about a straight 180 from there
Daphne & Celeste, Ooh Stick You
posted by corvine at 1:43 PM on July 30, 2015


So Yesterday Hillary Duff

You have to watch the video. :-)
posted by Michele in California at 1:47 PM on July 30, 2015


4minute - VOLUME UP (English subtitle)

Adding this, forgot that in my list of Asian pop. A saxophone riff and gothic cathedral styling. I suggest watching "I'm Not Yours" first, then "News" from the list since those are my two personal current favorites and is closest to what you are looking for, I feel.
posted by yueliang at 1:53 PM on July 30, 2015


Okay I can't resist adding these two - Namie Amuro is my favorite singer and a lot of her songs are all about empowerment and breaking free. These are not directly fuck you songs, but they remind me of the "I'm done crying over you, I'll be my own person now" stage. I think these two have particularly meaningful lyrics for pop songs.

Namie Amuro - Break It (English Subtitles)
Namie Amuro - Damage (English subtitles)
posted by yueliang at 2:34 PM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
posted by Wavelet at 2:38 PM on July 30, 2015 [1 favorite]


Point taken on most of Aimee Mann, to be sure! Her "Sugarcoated" is very angry and rockin' and not at all morose, has a guitar solo and everything, so you're safe with that one.
posted by emjaybee at 4:37 PM on July 30, 2015


Starry Eyes - The Records ("I don't wanna argue, there's nothing to say. Get me out of your starry eyes and be on your way.")

Ex-Marionette - Gal Pals ("No more hanging by your little thread, I am not your marionette")

In For The Kill - Shamir ("I'll be back someday and when I do, I promise you I won't make the same mistakes")

(this song is definitely not about a boy) - Makeshift Shelters (the whole darn thing is incredible)

These are all super poppy and joyful kissoffs. And nthing Beyonce - Why Don't You Love Me, it's killer. Great video too.
posted by everybody had matching towels at 6:29 PM on July 30, 2015


Cher Lloyd - End Up Here
posted by Schlani at 6:29 PM on July 30, 2015


ooh and MS MR - I Still Think of You
posted by Schlani at 6:34 PM on July 30, 2015


2nd domo: The You Oughta Know acoustic version adds a subtle psychotic menace to the song the original just didn't have. Maybe the lyrics aren't as unambiguous as you were going for. It's the only song I've ever heard that, imagining it was to me, made me want to immediately change my name and move out of the state for my own safety.
posted by ctmf at 6:59 PM on July 30, 2015


Kelis- Caught Out there, notable for the chorus of I Hate You So Much Right Now, full of rage but not quite at the Fiona levels of destruction, more catchy.
posted by The Whelk at 11:07 PM on July 30, 2015 [3 favorites]


Happy by Hilary Duff
posted by Small Dollar at 12:22 AM on July 31, 2015


I don't want you now - KT Tunstall
posted by BusyBusyBusy at 1:08 AM on July 31, 2015


Jill Scott: Closure
posted by flabdablet at 1:24 AM on July 31, 2015


I Kicked A Boy - The Sundays
posted by h00py at 6:28 AM on July 31, 2015


Kiss You Off - Scissor Sisters.
posted by LynnDee at 5:08 PM on July 31, 2015 [2 favorites]


Malibu - Chick
Gonna Get Along Without You Now - Viola Wills
Survivor - Destiny's Child
There You Go - Pink
posted by SisterHavana at 8:52 PM on July 31, 2015


U-Turn by Samantha (You can burn motherfucker burn)
posted by IndigoRain at 9:54 PM on July 31, 2015


ugh ugh ugh i know it's not poppy or produced enough but i think you'd really enjoy

I Only Fucked You As a Joke by Childbirth
posted by Juliet Banana at 8:57 AM on August 1, 2015




Stay Away by Charli XCX. And it is so slick and produced and top 40 (and Charli XCX) I'm surprised I haven't heard it on the radio yet.
posted by santaslittlehelper at 4:33 AM on August 2, 2015


Like a true dingus I did not absorb the question fully and suggested two things sung by dudes! I apologize, and as penance I've started to add the songs suggested here to a spotify playlist, available here. I'm only halfway through, but it's a collaborative playlist so feel free to add whatever you'd like!
posted by everybody had matching towels at 12:47 PM on August 3, 2015


Sara Bareilles has excellent cheerful poppy FUCK OFF songs. "King of Anything," "Good Girls," "Machine Gun," "Eden" (BIBLICAL Fuck You!)

And Nicki Minaj's "Pills N Potions" is perfect. "You betrayed me and I'm angry but I love and forgive you because I have risen above such pettiness and you are still a tiny jealous asshole wannabe"
posted by nicebookrack at 3:59 PM on August 4, 2015


Unforgiven by The Go-Go's. Just what you're asking for.
posted by drinkmaildave at 9:24 PM on August 9, 2015


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