Butterfly

Mariah Carey

About Butterfly

"Butterfly" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey. It was released on December 1, 1997, by Columbia Records as the second single from her sixth studio album Butterfly (1997). The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff. "Butterfly" is a pop ballad combining elements of R&B and gospel. Carey had originally conceived it as a house record with David Morales titled "Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise)". After realizing how personal the lyrics were and how they could be applied to Butterfly, she wrote the album's title track with Afanasieff. On the song's lyrics, Carey sings to someone, telling them to spread their wings and release into the world on their own, like a butterfly. The accompanying music video for "Butterfly" depicts Carey in an abandoned house, trapped in a desolate life. As the video progresses, she leaves, apparently for the first time in years, and runs into a nearby meadow. Towards the end, Carey jumps over a barbed fence and goes out into the world on a horse. The song's lyrics and video were directly connected to Carey's personal life at the time. "Butterfly" was performed live on the Late Show with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, and various European television programs. The song was also a permanent part of the set-list during her Butterfly World Tour during 1998. Due to current conflict with Columbia, "Butterfly" was never issued a commercial release, therefore hindering its charting ability. The single performed weakly on the charts, peaking outside the top 20 in most countries, except for New Zealand, where it peaked at number 15. 


Year:
2008
4:35
92 
#2

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When you love someone so deeply
They become your life
It's easy to succumb to overwhelming fears inside
Blindly I imagined I could
Keep you under glass
Now I understand to hold you
I must open up my hands
And watch you rise

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly, oh
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

I have learned that beauty
Has to flourish in the light
Wild horses run unbridled
Or their spirit dies
You have given me the courage
To be all that I can
And I truly feel your heart will
Lead you back to me when you're
Ready to land

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly, oh
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were ment to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly, butterfly

I can't pretend these tears
Aren't over flowing steadily
I can't prevent this hurt from
Almost overtaking me
But I will stand and say goodbye
For you'll never be mine
Until you know the way it feels to fly

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly, oh
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly, oh
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

So flutter through the sky
Butterfly
Fly
Spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

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Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut in 1990 under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, and released her self-titled debut studio album, Mariah Carey. The album went multi-platinum and spawned four consecutive number one singles, on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following her marriage to Mottola in 1993, a series of hit records, including Emotions (1991), Music Box (1993) and Merry Christmas (1994), established her position as Columbia's highest-selling act. Daydream (1995), made music history when the second single, "One Sweet Day" a duet with Boyz II Men, spent a record sixteen weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100, and remains… more »

20 fans

Written by: WALTER AFANASIEFF, MARIAH CAREY

Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Bluewater Music Corp., Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Information
"Butterfly" is a song from Mariah Carey's sixth studio album of the same name released in 1997.
Chart Performance
Despite not being released as a single, "Butterfly" still managed to peak at number 16 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in the United States.
Genre
The song is classified under the R&B and pop genres, which showcases Carey’s transition from pop to a more R&B-oriented sound.
Lyrics Meaning
The song's lyrics express feelings of personal transformation, freedom, and self-realization, reflecting Mariah's personal life changes during that time.
Celebrity Impact
Not only was "Butterfly" popular among fans, but it also had notable impacts on other celebrities. Musician Ariana Grande, for example, has cited "Butterfly" as one of her favorite Mariah Carey songs.
Song Development
"Butterfly" was written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff, who had worked with her on a number of her previous hits.
Music Video
The music video for "Butterfly" features Mariah in a serene, pastoral environment, symbolizing liberation and transformation. It received heavy rotation on MTV and VH1 upon its release.
Live Performances
Though not a single, Carey has frequently performed "Butterfly" at her concerts. She often incorporates live butterflies into her performances of the song.
Album Reviews
The 'Butterfly' album received critical acclaim, with many critics praising Carey's new musical direction, particularly showcased in the title track.
Personal Significance
"Butterfly" holds a special significance for Mariah Carey as it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her music career, with more creative control and mature themes compared to her earlier work. It's often considered one of her most introspective and personal songs.
Awards
While the song itself wasn't nominated, the 'Butterfly' album earned Carey three Grammy Award nominations, including 'Best Pop Vocal Album'.
Song Legacy
Even years after its release, "Butterfly" continues to be one of Carey's most beloved and iconic songs. She has often referred to it as her favorite album and song during interviews.

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