GTFO

“	“GTFO” boasts an atmospheric slow jam groove from producer Nineteen85, who laces gauzy synths over a tick-tock drumbeat. Carey’s vocals are airy and soft as she sings about a doomed relationship, but her delicate vocals add a gratifying edge to the song’s delightful kiss-off hook,"	”
– Rolling Stones

 

Hi Lamb! This here is the 1st Featured Article. "GTFO" has been featured, meaning it was chosen as an article of interest.

"GTFO"Promotional single by Mariah Carey
General information
Artist	Mariah Carey
Release date	September 13, 2018
Genre	R&B
Length	3:27
Album	Caution
Label	Epic Records
Songwriter(s)	Mariah Carey Bibi Bourelly Porter Robinson Jordan Manswell Nineteen85
Producer(s)	Nineteen85 Jordon Manswell
Promotional singles chronology
Previous	"Thirsty"
Current	"GTFO"
Next	"With You"
Caution track list
"GTFO"
"With You"
Music video

GTFO (an abbreviation for "get the fuck out") is the first track and promotional single from Mariah Carey's fifteenth studio album, Caution. It was released on September 13, 2018 through Epic Records. The song was written by Carey, Bibi Bourelly, Porter Robinson, Paul "Nineteen85" Jeffries and Jordan Manswell and samples Porter Robinson's 2014 song, Goodbye to a World.

Background

On September 13, 2018, Mariah Carey released GTFO as the first track and promotional single from her fifteenth studio album, Caution. The song, produced by Nineteen85, marked Carey’s first release under her new deal with Butterfly MC Records, her imprint, in partnership with Epic Records.

In a press release, Carey explained that GTFO was meant to give fans a playful and light-hearted preview of her new music. “I wanted to give my fans and everyone a first listen that wasn’t so serious,” Carey shared. She highlighted that the song reflected the fun and enjoyment she had during the album’s creation process.

The track samples Porter Robinson’s 2014 song "Goodbye to a World."

Critical reception

GTFO received a mix of reviews, with many critics praising Carey for her lighthearted approach and the song's understated production, while others felt it lacked the impact of her previous hits.

Critics like The Bulletin noted that the song positioned Carey well in the modern R&B landscape, highlighting her use of whispery vocals and subtle harmonies over skittering beats. The production, crafted by Nineteen85, was praised for being sultry and atmospheric, helping to deliver the track's confident, "kiss-off" message​,

Bleached described the song as a sassy, playful take on a breakup, though they found the production a bit too safe, wishing for a more daring vocal performance. Still, the honesty and sass in the lyrics were commended, particularly lines like “My friends all saw it in your eyes”​ The Musical Hype similarly commented that while the song was enjoyable and smooth, it didn't push boundaries musically or vocally.

On the other hand, A Bit of Pop Music praised the track for sounding fresh and relevant to 2018's music trends without chasing them, remarking that Carey's vocals and the delicate production came together seamlessly. The review emphasized that while GTFO was unlikely to top the charts, it reflected a confident and modern sound.

Music video

The music video for GTFO was released on September 14, 2018. The music video was directed by Sarah McColagan. In the video, Carey is seen reclining throughout different parts of her house, dressed in lingerie. She moves from the living room to the kitchen and the bedroom, casually sipping wine as she sings. Throughout the visual, Carey’s actions, such as allowing soapy sink water to spill onto the floor, are paired with the song’s lyrics, reflecting a carefree and indifferent attitude towards an ex-lover.

Live Performances

Mariah performing at 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival

Mariah debuted the song live at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 21, 2018. Carey also performed the song at a NYE Party in a private concert. The song was also a a regular part of the setlist in Carey's Caution World Tour, which began on February 27, 2019, and ended on June 13, 2019.

Lyrics

[Intro]
How 'bout you?
How 'bout you?

[Verse 1]
You took my love for granted
You left me lost and disenchanted
Bulldozed my heart as if you planned it
My prince was so unjustly handsome

[Pre-Chorus]
Who was that knight in shining armor?
I could've sworn you'd love me harder
Might as well down this Caymus bottle
I ain't the type to play the martyr

[Chorus]
How 'bout you get the fuck out?
How 'bout you get the fuck out?
Get the fuck out
(How 'bout you)
Take your tings and be on your merry way
Fly off with the wind, bye bye baby
(How 'bout you)
Scusami, Mimi call you a valet
(You just) take your tings and be on your merry way

[Verse 2]
My friends all saw it in your eyes
They told me once, they told me twice
I looked beyond all the signs
I guess false love makes you blind, ay

[Pre-Chorus]
Who was that knight in shining armor?
(You, you, you)
I could've sworn you'd love me harder
(You, you, you)
Might as well down this Caymus bottle
(You, you, you)
I ain't the type to play the martyr

[Chorus]
How 'bout you get the fuck out? (How about)
How 'bout you get the fuck out?
How about you get the fuck out?
(How 'bout you)
Take your tings and be on your merry way
(How 'bout you)
Fly off with the wind, bye bye, baby
(How 'bout you)
Scusami, Mimi call you a valet
(How 'bout you)
Take your tings and be on your merry way
How 'bout you get the fuck out?
(Fuck out, fuck out)