The song was released in late 2009 as the second single from their third studio album, Brand New Eyes (2009).
"Brick by Boring Brick" was featured in The Vampire Diaries episode "Under Control" that aired on April 15, 2010.
Rolling Stone stated that "Brick by Boring Brick" was able to "weave unexpected Smashing Pumpkins-style sonics into the mix."
The music video for "Brick by Boring Brick" was filmed in Los Angeles on October 8, 2009.
The music video was directed by Meiert Avis.