Greedy

Album: Think Later (2023)
Charted: 3 3
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Greedy" is a lively and upbeat pop anthem that champions self-confidence and empowerment. The song delves into a flirtatious exchange where a guy expresses his fascination and attraction towards Tate McRae. McRae, in a teasing manner, warns him against pursuing her too eagerly, suggesting it might stir up some trouble, all while playfully acknowledging her own allure. She gets that he's intrigued and wants to know more about her, but advises him not to push his luck by getting "greedy."
  • The song's inspiration stems from an encounter McRae had with a guy at a bar. He complimented her on her ability to keep her "cards so close" to her chest, maintaining an air of mystery. McRae picked up on this feeling of affirmation and subsequently wrote "Greedy" with songwriter Amy Allen and producers Ryan Tedder and Jasper Harris.

    "We started writing this really sassy song about the feeling of having utter confidence being like, 'Yeah, it takes a lot to really get me to open up,'" McRae told People. "It ended up feeling like this really cool female empowerment song, which I loved."
  • Amy Allen has worked with a wide range of artists, including Harry Styles, Halsey, and Selena Gomez. She is known for her ability to write catchy and relatable lyrics.

    OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder has worked with artists such as Adele, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. He is recognized for creating pop hits that are both commercial and critical successes.

    California producer Jasper Harris has worked with artists such as Jack Harlow, Post Malone, and Future.
  • Best known for heartbreak anthems like "You Broke Me First " and "She's All I Wanna Be," McRae feels "Greedy" marks the first-time people have seen a "feistier and more playful side" of her.
  • Tate McRae performed "Greedy" on the November 18, 2023 episode of Saturday Night Live along with "Grave." It marked her debut on the sketch show as a musical guest.
  • The song topped the charts in many countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Norway and the UAE. McRae admitted to not recognizing its hit potential.

    "There were about seven months where Ryan Tedder was trying to convince me it was the first single and I was like, 'Absolutely not!," she told the BBC.

    "The song genuinely scared me - how fast it was and how much energy it had," McRae added. "I was like, 'This is not my usual sound. Then finally, I gave [Ryan] a million notes and transformed it from this squeaky-clean pop record into something super dark and grungy."
  • Fans believe "Greedy" was inspired by McRae's relationship with Canadian NHL player Cole Sillinger, whom she dated 2021 to early 2023, especially since the music video is hockey themed.
  • When McRae performed "Greedy" for the first time at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, she storyboarded the whole concept herself. She insisted on opening the performance flanked by two intimidating "security guards" before ripping off a blazer mid-song. McRae called it her first moment of fully embracing "pop pop music," describing the performance as a mash of all her childhood inspirations, down to the sparkly top and dance break choreographed by Sean Bankhead.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

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).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.