Sabrina Carpenter's "Busy Woman" Lyrics & Meaning Explained

Sabrina Carpenter‘s “Busy Woman” lyrics are as quirky and fun as the popstar is. Carpenter wrote the song with Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, but it didn’t make the original cut of Short n’ Sweet. Initially, the singer released it on a limited edition digital download. However, on February 14th, the “Espresso” singer released the Short n’ Sweet deluxe edition and included “Busy Woman” as one of five new tracks. The song is upbeat with the 80s pop production that has become Antonoff’s signature sound.

The pop star announced the release of her Short n’ Sweet deluxe edition the day after a successful Grammys night. Not only did Sabrina Carpenter take home two awards, her first ever, but she also put on a show-stopping performance. Carpenter’s 2025 Grammy performance was one of the best of the night. With more Short n’ Sweet tour dates to go, Carpenter could easily add some of her bonus tracks to the permanent setlist, including “Busy Woman.” While the song is a lot sillier than songs like “Dumb & Poetic,” the lyrics still hold power.

What Is Sabrina Carpenter Singing About On “Busy Woman”?

Carpenter Is Singing About A Guy

Sabrina Carpenter has branded herself as the modern-day blonde bombshell and “Busy Woman” plays into this persona. Carpenter is singing about wanting to go over to a guy she likes’ place, but also reminding him that she’s not gonna wait for him all day. It’s tongue-in-cheek with lyrics like “If you don’t want me, I’ll just deem you gay.” While there is no clear subject of the song, Carpenter has been linked to several men in Hollywood. However, it doesn’t seem like this one is directed toward anyone specific.

It’s likely Carpenter was just having fun while writing the hit with Antonoff and Allen and was speaking about men in general. While the song isn’t very serious, there’s likely some truth to it. In other Short n’ Sweet tracks, Carpenter sings about being heartbroken when a guy went back to his ex during their affair. In “Busy Woman,” Carpenter takes the more dominant role, but she does joke about how her ability to hold herself together flies out the window when she faces rejection.

The Meaning Of “Busy Woman”

Carpenter Has A Busy Schedule

The meaning of “Busy Woman” is pretty simple. The two-time Grammy winner is too busy to be waiting around for someone to decide he likes her. According to her music, this is something she’s done a lot in the past. However, Carpenter also makes it clear in the song that if the guy is willing to put in the effort and if he’s really interested in her, she will free up some space in her schedule. Being a “busy woman,” according to her, is also an excuse.

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Carpenter is clearly interested in the person she’s talking about, and she does want to spend time with him. However, because of her past heartbreak, she doesn’t want to get hurt again. Rather than be honest about her feelings, she’s making herself out to be someone who has so much to do that she doesn’t even realize she’s been rejected. Based on how quickly she folds at the idea of this guy actually liking her back, it’s clear she’s really not too busy for him after all.

The song also plays into sexuality and is empowering in its own way. Carpenter has been unapologetic about expressing her sexuality in her music and onstage. She even recently defended herself from critics who felt it was inappropriate. Not only does Carpenter own her sexuality, but the phrase “busy woman” represents the career woman that emerged when women first started entering the workforce. Carpenter has a vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of the 50s through the 70s, so this concept works well.

“Busy Woman” Lyrics Explained

What Do Carpenter’s Lyrics Mean?

In the first verse, Sabrina Carpenter describes herself as mature, collected, and sensible. However, she admits that she doesn’t act this way when she faces rejection in relationships. Carpenter calls rejecting her “unethical” and jokes that she turns into someone fearful when it happens. Of course, none of this is meant to be taken seriously, but even Carpenter understands there’s some truth to it.

I’m so mature, collected, and sensible

Except when I get hit with rejection

To turn me down, well, that’s just unethical

I’ll turn into someone you’re scared to know

In the chorus, the pop star breaks her tough exterior and admits the truth. If this person actually does want her love and affection, then she can make time for him very quickly. At the thought of him not wanting her, though, she quickly changes her tone, singing “I didn’t want your little b*tch a** anyway.” Carpenter follows this up by saying she can’t make time for him in her schedule because she’s busy. However, if he likes her, that’s a different story. Then it’s ’til death do us part.

But if you need my love

My clothes are off, I’m comin’ over to your place

And if you don’t need (if you don’t need) my love

Well, I didn’t want your little b*tch-a** anyway

Yeah, I’m a busy woman

I wouldn’t let you come into my calendar any night

But if you want my kisses

I’ll be your perfect Mrs till the day that one of us dies (oh, hey)

(Busy woman, all the time)

(Busy woman)

In the second verse, Carpenter sings about all the things she needs to get done in order for her love interest to come over. The verse plays out like a movie scene of a female character shaving, putting on makeup, or doing her hair, preparing for a date. Carpenter is incredibly gifted at painting a picture with her lyrics, whether it’s a heartbreaking ballad or a song as fun and lighthearted as “Busy Woman.”

So much to shave and lipstick to reapply

Maybe for you, though, I could accommodate

I’m flexible, so just tell me what you like

Tantric yoga, baby, namaste

If you don’t want me, I’ll just deem you gay

She also admits that for just this person, she could cut a few things out of her schedule. She ends the verse with a joke about calling her love interest gay if he doesn’t like her back. This wouldn’t be the first time Carpenter joked about sexuality in her music, as she also sang about her lack of a “gay awakening” in “Slim Pickins.”

Busy woman, all the time

Busy woman for the rest of my life

My openings are super tight

Busy woman, unless you call tonight

Night (ooh)

Ooh

In the bridge, Carpenter repeats the phrase “busy woman” before once again letting her romantic interest know that she can make some openings in her schedule if he wants her to. The song closes with the chorus, making for another perfect pop hit for Carpenter. While it unfortunately didn’t make the original cut of Short n’ Sweet, it fits perfectly with the album, and it’s understandable why Sabrina Carpenter added it to the deluxe edition.