Butterflies, with their delicate wings and vivid hues, are among the most beautiful organisms on the planet.
For generations, they have been used as symbols of transition, development, and beauty, and have inspired painters and poets.
It’s no surprise that they have also been the subject of many songs throughout history.
This article will look at 23 songs about butterflies, each with its own story, meaning, and influence.
From Dolly Parton’s and Mariah Carey’s classic ballads to BTS and Jason Mraz’s bouncy rhythms, these songs encapsulate the spirit of these majestic creatures and the emotions they elicit.
So, get ready to be taken on a journey through the world of music and butterflies.
1. Butterflies – Michael Jackson
At the top of the list, we introduce this wonderful track released in 2002 as the third single of the album Invincible.
The song was originally written by Marsha Ambrosius, a member of the duo Floetry when she was still at school.
Once Michael listened to it, he decided he wanted to record it with Marsha.
The author claimed that this piece was about a guy from London she had a crush on, she was too shy to tell him and had this feeling of “butterflies in the stomach”.
2. Butterfly – Crazy Town
Butterfly by Crazy Town was a hit hip-hop track released in 1999 and included in the album The Gift Of Game.
The mood of the song sets it apart from most of the band, being this one a romantic song while others were full of macho swagger.
The track was inspired by a girl with whom the singer was having a relationship, she used to collect butterflies and the idea of the title came up when he saw one on the ceiling while lying in bed.
Interestingly, the song features a sample of the Red Hot Chili Peppers song Pretty Little Ditty.
3. Butterfly – BTS
Here we have a soft, melodic track by the globally famous South Korean boy band, BTS.
It is one of their most sentimental and emotional songs, expressing a message of healing and the search for love.
The track tells a story of a person who has been hurt and is trying to heal themselves by chasing a butterfly, which is often seen as a symbol of hope and beauty.
Butterfly was released in 2016 as a part of their album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever.
4. Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah) – A-ha
Just like the Norwegian group has accustomed us, this piece beautifully captures the feeling of longing and nostalgia.
The track is a heartwarming ballad about letting go of the past and moving on, much like the way a butterfly must leave its cocoon to take flight.
The song is included on 25, a compilation album released in 2010.
The music video features astonishing visuals and transmits an emotional vibe that perfectly accompanies the sentiments of the track.
5. Butterfly – Jason Mraz
Most of you might think this is a charming love song that uses the metaphor of a butterfly to describe the delicate nature of relationships.
I don’t blame you, but this track is based on the idea “What if one of Jason Mraz’s songs was played in a burlesque?
Although it may sound unbelievable, the singer himself admitted that this is how he came up with the idea.
The song appears on his third studio album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, released in 2008, and seems to be one of his funniest songs.
6. Butterflyz – Alicia Keys
Released in her 2001 debut album Songs in A Minor, this song is about a metamorphosis of emotions, similar to how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
Interestingly, the track almost didn’t make it onto the album, as Alicia Keys had written it just a few weeks before the deadline but Butterflyz ended up being one of the most popular tracks on the album and a staple in Keys’ live performances.
7. Love Is Like a Butterfly – Dolly Parton
This classic country ballad relates the beauty and fragility of a butterfly to the feeling of love.
Written and performed by Dolly Parton, it was released as the title track of her 1974 album.
Dolly Parton’s favorite hobby as a child growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee was chasing colorful butterflies through the woods.
The song is a timeless classic that has resonated with audiences for decades and remains a favorite of country music lovers worldwide.
8. Butterfly – Mariah Carey
Butterfly is a song written by Mariah for herself, not for someone else.
It’s the song she hoped her recently divorced husband would sing to her.
It was included on her sixth studio album of the same name, which was published in 1997.
The lyrics discuss letting go of the past and accepting change.
9. Bad Kind of Butterflies – Camila Cabello
This haunting ballad was released in 2019 as part of Camila Cabello’s album Romance.
The song’s lyrics compare the uneasiness of falling in love to the sensation of having butterflies in your tummy.
The song digs into the feelings of someone afraid to fall in love because of previous heartbreaks.
Most critics panned her songwriting abilities and record production, labeling the album “overproduced and pretentious,” but the singer nonetheless achieved worldwide renown.
10. Butterfly – Willie Nelson
Butterfly is a country song from Willie Nelson’s 63rd studio album, God’s Problem Child, released in 2017.
The track was originally written by Sonny Throckmorton and beautifully interpreted by Nelson.
The song revolves around the concept of a man seeing a butterfly and remembering his lost love.
This song stands out among the other tracks on the album, showcasing Nelson’s incredible ability to express complex emotions through his music.
11. Butterflies – Zendaya
12. Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
13. Butterfly – Kehlani
14. Butterfly Effect – Travis Scott
15. Catching The Butterfly – The Verve
16. Bullet With Butterfly Wings – The Smashing Pumpkins
17. Butterfly Fly Away – Miley Cyrus
18. Still Into You – Paramore
19. Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves
20. The Crow & the Butterfly – Shinedown
21. The Butterfly Waltz – Brian Crain
22. Rip Out The Wings Of a Butterfly – HIM
23. Butterflies, Pt. 2 – Queen Naija
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