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"Copy Cat" is a stand-alone single by Melanie Martinez featuring Tierra Whack. It was released on February 10th, 2020. It was originally intended to be featured on her fourth extended play (EP), After School, but was cut from the final track list.

Background[]

During the promotional release, Melanie shared the background of this song via Instagram post, quoting:

This song was written few years ago and from an empathetic perspective even while in a very hurt place. We're all told that imitation is flattery to ease the pain that ego feels when other people get credited for our ideas and our work. But being a human includes feeling a multitude of feelings and naturally this song came about when expressing those very raw emotions. I hope this song can not only bring comfort but also remind them to empathize with people who are just doing what society has conditioned them to believe will make them successful.
Melanie Martinez

On January 8th, 2020, Melanie hosted a Q&A on her Instagram story regarding After School. Melanie was asked by a fan if there would be any features on the EP, to which she confirmed that one song would have a collaboration with a female artist. She also confirmed that there would be no old or unreleased music on the EP, meaning that the song would be a brand-new collaboration (shutting down rumors that "I Scream" with Snow Tha Product would be included on the EP).

In an interview, Melanie stated that she had handed in other tracks that were written for Tierra Whack. Tierra picked "Copy Cat".[citation needed]

Theme[]

The song is about people in the music industry who are unoriginal and copy other people in hopes of succeeding, which most of the time ends up working. It uses school exams and projects as a metaphor for this, as students often cheat on tests and copy the work of other students in an attempt to receive a better mark or grade.

Lyrics[]

[Verse 1: Melanie Martinez]
Over my shoulder, eyes peeking in
Analyze my every move, what current state I'm in
'Cause you are colder than ice on my skin
Wanna get that A+, baby, so you take my shit
'Cause I am little, right? I won't call you out
Teacher's saying you'd get credit, why would you stop now?
You are so desperate, craving that spotlight
Shining on the ones who do this shit, 'cause it's their life

[Pre-chorus: Melanie Martinez]
But I know the people around you say
"Just do what it takes to make it all the way"

[Chorus: Melanie Martinez]
You're a copy cat
You take it, then you leave it, honey
Just like that, just like that
You're falling flat
You'll find someone like me to bring you up right back
Up right back
(Copy cat, copy cat)

[Verse 2: Melanie Martinez]
Obsessed with power
You want it for yourself
Feeding up misogyny
But still you call yourself a feminista
If that were really true
You wouldn't feel as if I were a current threat to you

[Pre-chorus: Melanie Martinez]
But I know the people around you say
"Just do what it takes to make it all the way"

[Chorus: Melanie Martinez]
You're a copy cat
You take it, then you leave it, honey
Just like that, just like that
You're falling flat
You'll find someone like me to bring you up right back
Up right back
(Copy cat, copy cat)

[Bridge: Melanie Martinez]
Find someone else to leech on, lady
My blood's for me, not for you, baby
College estate and all your savings
My blood's for me, so no more taking

[Verse 3: Tierra Whack]
Anything you can do, I can do better
In prison for stealing, gon' write you a letter
Courageous and clever, creative director
I raised the bar high, yes sir, I broke the record
I'm hot as peppers, my words written in leather
Scuffed up my boots, boy, I'll stomp you in Skechers
They wanna build like their first name is Hector
Back against wall, bitch, I am a projector
From the projects, don't check on my ex
Think you're the boss then I'll break broken necks
Wish you the best, won't show you my next move
So I guess you'll be upset
Don't cry, no baby, you'll find your own way
Think for yourself, it'll all be okay
Copyright lyrics, you can't steal my spirit
They live for my music, they're dying to hear it
Imitated, never duplicated
You wish you related, you wish you'd have made it
Imitated, never duplicated
You wish you related, you wish you'd have made it

[Chorus: Melanie Martinez]
You're a copy cat
You take it and you leave it, honey
Just like that, just like that
You're falling flat
You'll find someone like me to bring you up right back
Up right back
(Copy cat, copy cat)

Trivia[]

  • The single artwork was created by Swedish artist Josefin Jonsson, better known as pastelae.
    • She also created the artwork for the K-12 snippets.
  • The word "feminista" is Spanish and Portuguese for "feminist". This is likely a callback to Melanie's Dominican and Puerto-Rican roots.
  • This song is the first and currently only collaboration in Melanie's discography to be officially released.
  • There are sounds hidden throughout the song that are only audible to cats.
    • It also features cat noises, such as purring and meows.
  • The official instrumental was leaked on March 31st, 2021.
  • The audio video reached #4 on YouTube trending.
  • Although the song contains profanity, it's not labeled as explicit on streaming services.
  • This song, "Fire Drill", and "PIGGYBACK" are currently Melanie's only released songs to not be physically released.
  • This song references the track "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)" from the 1950 film "Annie Get Your Gun".
  • This song and "Fire Drill" have the same BPM (117).

References[]


Navigation[]

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After School Text
Featured tracks NotebookTest MeBrain & HeartNumbersGluedField TripThe Bakery
Characters AbuelitaBunnies
Scrapped tracks AbsorbCopy Cat (ft. Tierra Whack)Erase HerFire DrillFunctionHistoryLost & FoundMazeOh No!Paper CutSpin The BottleTrophyUnder The Desk
Producers Blake SlatkinMelanie Martinez (exec.)Michael Keenan
Related Promotional photoshootsK-12CAN'T WAIT TILL I'M OUT OF K-12Merchandise
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