Honeybee (song)

"Honeybee"
A hand holding a bouquet of flowers with the song and artist name on the side
"Walk in the Park" limited-edition vinyl cover
Promotional single by Olivia Rodrigo
from the album You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love
B-side"Cigarette Smoke"
ReleasedJune 12, 2026 (2026-06-12)
GenreAcoustic pop
Length3:43 (original version)
3:09 (album vinyl/cassette version)
LabelGeffen
SongwriterOlivia Rodrigo
ProducerDan Nigro
Lyric video
"Honeybee" on YouTube

"Honeybee" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo from her third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, released on June 12, 2026, by Geffen Records. Rodrigo wrote the song, and Dan Nigro produced it.

Background

In March 2026, Olivia Rodrigo described the thematic direction of her third studio album in an interview with British Vogue.[1] She stated that it 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] "Honeybee" was the first love song that Rodrigo wrote for it; she described her process as compositing various clichés she knew, including incorporating Easter eggs in the French language. She also cited Hugh Grant's character in Notting Hill (1999) as inspiration for the lyric "Let's just walk in the dark / Hop the fence in the park."[5] 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 title in many cities. Rodrigo continued her collaboration with Dan Nigro, who returned to be its producer.[6]

"Honeybee" was available for sale on June 12, 2026, as part of a promotional "Walk in the Park" limited-edition vinyl which also included "Cigarette Smoke", exclusively at record stores celebrating the release of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.[7]

Composition

The song is an acoustic pop piano ballad,[8] with a string quartet and ethereal layered harmonies,[9][10][11] along with a choir in the outro.[12] The lyrics revolve around an uncertain relationship, with Rodrigo comparing her lover to a honey bee, as she fears he will abruptly end it while hoping they will stay.[12][13] She evokes romantic imagery, including shooting stars, racing cars, and "sticky sweet tangerine."[11]

Critical reception

"Honeybee" received positive reviews. Hannah Dailey of Billboard ranked it as the fifth best track on You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.[13] Writing for Rolling Stone, Julyssa Lopez described it as demonstrating Rodrigo's ability to "dive into her insecurities with a mix of humor and honesty."[14] Alex Rigotti of NME complimented the song's "cinematic quality".[15]

Commercial performance

"Honeybee" debuted at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 issued for June 27, 2026, accompanied in the top ten by "Stupid Song" and You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love's previous singles "Drop Dead" and "The Cure". "Honeybee" and "Stupid Song" concurrently increased Rodrigo's career top ten entries to 10, and the album's total to four.[16] In Canada, the former song entered at number nine on the Canadian Hot 100 on the chart for the same date.[17] In the United Kingdom, it debuted at number eight on the Official Audio Streaming Chart.[18]

In Australia, "Honeybee" debuted at number seven.[19] The song entered at number nine in New Zealand.[20] It debuted at number five on the Billboard Global 200.[21] "Honeybee" also charted at number 6 in Singapore,[22] number 10 in Portugal,[23] number 17 in Malaysia,[24] number 21 in Hong Kong,[25] number 41 in Germany,[26] number 57 in Norway,[27] number 80 in Lithuania,[28] and number 83 in Sweden.[29]

Personnel

These credits have been adapted from Tidal.[30]

  • Olivia Rodrigo – lead vocals and composition
  • Arianna Powell – guitar
  • Conan Gray – background vocals
  • Daniel Nigro – production, background vocals, bass, drum programming, engineering, Mellotron, mixing
  • Lily Elise – background vocals
  • Noah Conrad – piano
  • Paul Cartwright – string arrangement, viola, violin
  • Randy Merrill – mastering

Track listing

7-inch "Walk In The Park" vinyl[31] and cassette[32]

  1. "Honeybee" – 3:43
  2. "Cigarette Smoke" – 5:40

Charts

Chart positions for "Honeybee"
Chart (2026) Peak
position
Argentina Hot 100 (Billboard)[33]57
Australia (ARIA)[19] 7
Brazil Hot 100 (Billboard)[34]50
Canada Hot 100 (Billboard)[17]9
Czech Republic Singles Digital (ČNS IFPI)[35]77
France (SNEP)[36] 99
Germany (GfK)[26]41
Global 200 (Billboard)[21]5
Greece International (IFPI)[37] 14
Hong Kong (Billboard)[25] 21
Ireland (IRMA)[38]22
Lithuania (AGATA)[28] 80
Malaysia (IFPI)[39] 12
Malaysia International (RIM)[40] 6
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[20] 9
Norway (IFPI Norge)[27] 57
Philippines (IFPI)[41] 17
Philippines Hot 100 (Billboard Philippines)[42]16
Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)[43] 75
Portugal (AFP)[23] 10
Singapore (RIAS)[22] 6
Slovakia Singles Digital (ČNS IFPI)[44]59
South Africa Streaming (TOSAC)[45] 67
Spain (Promusicae)[46]43
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[29] 83
United Arab Emirates (IFPI)[47] 18
UK Singles (Official Charts)[48]30
US Billboard Hot 100[49]9

Certifications

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[50] Gold 40,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ↑ Mukhtar, Amel (March 19, 2026). ""I'm Definitely A Lover Girl": Olivia Rodrigo On Yearning, "London Vibes", And Her Most Experimental Album Yet". British Vogue. Archived from the original on May 14, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  2. ↑ Brasil, Sydney (April 2, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo Announces Album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love". Exclaim!. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  3. ↑ Morrow, Brendan (April 2, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo reveals third studio album – See the surprising name". USA Today. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  4. ↑ Horowitz, Steven J. (April 2, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo Announces New Album You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love". Variety. Archived from the original on May 19, 2026. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  5. ↑ Giandurco, Jillian (June 18, 2026). "Watch Olivia Rodrigo Break Down The Lyrics To 'Honeybee' — Exclusive". Nylon. Archived from the original on June 18, 2026. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
  6. ↑ Green, Walden (April 2, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo Announces New Album You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  7. ↑ @recordstoredayus; (June 8, 2026). "As this Thursday turns into this Friday, record stores around the country will be the first place to celebrate the new @oliviarodrigo album when the clock strikes midnight! And as a special treat for being among the first to #listentooliviarodrigo together, this special 7" single will also be for sale — only at participating record stores, in limited numbers!". Archived from the original on June 15, 2026. Retrieved June 15, 2026 – via Instagram.
  8. ↑ Yoo, Noah (July 1, 2026). "5 Best Tracks From Olivia Rodrigo's 'you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love'". Dazed Digital. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
  9. ↑ Phares, Heather. "you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love Review". AllMusic. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  10. ↑ Constance, Emma (June 12, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo - you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love | Reviews". Clash. Archived from the original on June 12, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  11. 1 2 McCormick, Neil (June 12, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo's new album offers depth, wit – and a cameo from Robert Smith". The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. ISSN 0307-1235. OCLC 49632006. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  12. 1 2 O'Brien, Molly Mary (June 12, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo: you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love Album Review". Pitchfork. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on June 12, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  13. 1 2 Dailey, Hannah (June 12, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo's 'You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love': All 13 Tracks Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  14. ↑ Lopez, Julyssa (June 12, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo Tells a Beautiful, Crushing Love Story". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 12, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  15. ↑ Rigotti, Alex (June 15, 2026). "Olivia Rodrigo – 'You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love' review: a bittersweet, cinematic odyssey from a generational talent". NME. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
  16. ↑ Trust, Gary (June 22, 2026). "Taylor Swift's 'I Knew It, I Knew You' No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for Second Week". Billboard. Retrieved June 30, 2026.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. 1 2 "Olivia Rodrigo Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Official Streaming Chart on 19/6/2026 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  19. 1 2 "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  20. 1 2 "Official Top 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. June 19, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  21. 1 2 "Olivia Rodrigo Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  22. 1 2 "The Official Singapore Charts Week 25 (12 - 18 Jun 2026)". RIAS. Archived from the original on June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  23. 1 2 "Top 200 Singles: Semana 25 de 2026" (PDF) (in European Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. p. 9. Retrieved July 6, 2026.
  24. ↑ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Malaysia Chart Top 20 from 06/19/2026 to 06/25/2026". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 30, 2026. [Select 2026 Week 26]
  25. 1 2 "Olivia Rodrigo Chart History (Hong Kong Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  26. 1 2 "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
  27. 1 2 "Singel 2026 uke 26". IFPI Norge. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  28. 1 2 "2026 25-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. June 19, 2026. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
  29. 1 2 "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 25, 2026". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  30. ↑ "you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love / Olivia Rodrigo / Credits". Tidal. Block. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
  31. ↑ Olivia Rodrigo - Honeybee, June 12, 2026, retrieved July 4, 2026
  32. ↑ "honeybee - cassette". Olivia Rodrigo | Official Store. Retrieved July 4, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Olivia Rodrigo Chart History (Argentina Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  34. ↑ "Olivia Rodrigo Chart History (Brasil Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  35. ↑ "ČNS IFPI – CZ Singles Digital – Top 100 – 25. týden 2026" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  36. ↑ "Top Singles (Semaine du 19 juin 2026)" (in French). Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  37. ↑ "Official IFPI Charts − Digital Singles Chart (International) − Εβδομάδα: 24/2026" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on June 24, 2026. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Official Irish Singles Chart on 17/7/2026 – Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 18, 2026.
  39. ↑ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Malaysia Chart Top 20 from 07/03/2026 to 07/09/2026". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 14, 2026. [Select 2026 Week 28]
  40. ↑ "TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 28 (03/07/2026 - 09/07/2026)". RIM. July 18, 2026. Retrieved July 18, 2026 – via Facebook.
  41. ↑ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Philippines Chart Top 20 from 06/12/2026 to 06/18/2026". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 23, 2026. [Select 2026 Week 25]
  42. ↑ "Philippines Hot 100 – Week of June 27, 2026". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
  43. ↑ "OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie" (Select week 12.06.2026–18.06.2026.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  44. ↑ "ČNS IFPI – SK Singles Digital – Top 100 – 25. týden 2026" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  45. ↑ "Local and International Streaming Chart Top 20 Week 25 – 2026 (New Releases)". The Official South African Charts. June 28, 2026. Archived from the original on June 28, 2026. Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  46. ↑ "Olivia Rodrigo – Honeybee". Canciones Top 50. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  47. ↑ "The Official MENA Chart | Weekly Chart – Week 26, 2026 – 19/06 to 25/06/2026". The Official MENA Chart (Select year 2026, week 26 and UAE chart to view peak.). July 1, 2026. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
  48. ↑ "Official Singles Chart on 17/7/2026 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 18, 2026.
  49. ↑ "Olivia Rodrigo Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  50. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Olivia Rodrigo – Honeybee". Music Canada. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.