Maggots for Brains

In March 2026, Olivia Rodrigo described the thematic direction of her third studio album in an interview with British Vogue.^[1] She stated that the album predominantly features "sad love songs", explaining that many of her favorite romantic tracks derive their appeal from an undercurrent of fear or longing.^[2][3][4] The album takes inspiration from Rodrigo's time in London. Multiple tracks on the album are said to reference the relationship of Sex and the City characters Miranda Hobbes and Steve Brady.^[1] On April 2, 2026, the album title was unveiled after being painted on a pink wall in Los Angeles and hinted with the final word in the album title in many cities. Rodrigo continued her collaboration with Dan Nigro, who returned to be the album's producer.^[5] Rodrigo released "Drop Dead" as the lead single on April 17, 2026.^[6] A second song from the album, called "Begged", was performed on Saturday Night Live on May 2, 2026.^[7]

Speaking of the album's conception and the influence of Sex and the City on the tracks, Rodrigo stated: "Like, when Miranda and Steve are getting back together, she's crying. 'Steve, anytime something funny happens, I just want to tell you.' And I remember watching that and being like, 'Oh, my God, I have to write a song about this.'"^[8] Out of the thirteen tracks for You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, "Maggots for Brains" appears as the fourth.^[9]

At four minutes long, "Maggots for Brains" is a jangle pop,^[10] new wave,^[11] and post-punk^[12] tune featuring synthesizers^[13] and new wave tones.^[14] Critics found the production reminiscent of the English bands New Order^[15][16] and the Cure,^[17] British band Siouxsie and the Banshees,^[14] and Canadian pop band Alvvays.^[18]

"Maggots for Brains" is interchangeably titled after the English idiom, "worms for brains".^[19] Rodrigo first teased the song through a shirt embroided with the lyric "I'm a zombie in my body" at Lollapalooza in August 1, 2025, in Chicago. The track features morbid imagery, such as zombies, maggots and decomposition.^[20][21] Lyrically, it is inspired by the American romantic comedy television, Sex and the City (1998–2004) – particularly the character Miranda Hobbes.^[1][19] In "Maggots for Brains", Rodrigo narrates her feeling of lovesickness without her lover – comparing this feeling to having worms in her brain and describing herself as a zombie.^[22]

Hannah Dailey of Billboard ranked it at the bottom of the tracklist of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, describing it as "a punky banger full of simple metaphors and icky imagery — the title included", and adding: "This one feels more like Rodrigo just stepping up to the mic and ranting, letting her angst pour out of her and sounding better than ever as a pop-rock vocalist."^[23] Julyssa Lopez of Rolling Stone described the song as "a mopey synth party" and "a snapshot of the yearning and neediness that takes over when there's distance from the person she loves".^[24] Alex Rigotti of NME called the song an "excellent New Order ode".^[25]

"Maggots for Brains" debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 issued for June 27, 2026.^[26] In Canada, the song entered at number 11 on the Canadian Hot 100 on the chart for the same date.^[27] In the United Kingdom, it debuted at number 10 on the Official Audio Streaming Chart.^[28] In Australia, "Maggots for Brains" debuted at number nine.^[29] The song entered at number 13 in New Zealand.^[30] It debuted at number eight on the Billboard Global 200.^[31] "Maggots for Brains" also charted at number 1 on Sweden Heatseeker,^[32] number 9 in Singapore,^[33] number 16 in Portugal,^[34] number 22 in Hong Kong,^[35] number 58 in Germany,^[36] and number 75 on the Brasil Hot 100.^[37]

These credits have been adapted from Tidal.^[38]

• Olivia Rodrigo – composer, lyricist, vocals, background vocals
• Dan Nigro – producer, composer, lyricist, acoustic guitar, bass, background vocals, drum programming, engineer, guitar, programming
• Amy Allen – composer, lyricist
• Michael Harris – additional engineering
• Lily Elise – background vocals
• Ben Romans – CP-70, piano
• Sterling Laws – drums
• Chris Kasych – engineer
• Randy Merrill – mastering engineer
• Mitch McCarthy – mixing