Butterfly Nets
Bishop Allen Lyrics
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To pick you up
And carry you off eastward,
Though I did release you
For to seek a warmer sky
Should you be blown back
Know that I will always run to greet you,
Every time
Armed with this small butterfly net
I will face the world alone
And never be lonely
So calm that wicked wind,
And if you go, you could be gone forever
I will play awhile here
By and by and by and by
Armed with this small butterfly net
I will face the world alone
And never be lonely
Up and up you go
For to steal the secrets of the heavens
Will you share them with me
My bright and brilliant spy?
Should you be blown back
Know that I will always run to greet you
Still surprised to catch you
Every time
Still surprised to catch you
By and by and by and by
The song "Butterfly Nets" by Bishop Allen is a powerful ballad that tells the story of a person who has let go of a loved one, hoping that they will find peace and happiness in the world. The singer uses the metaphor of a butterfly, which has been released to fly away for a warmer sky, symbolizing the person they had feelings with. The song is a reflection of the emotions of letting go, the beauty of the natural world, and the sense of hope in the lyrics.
The first verse of the song emphasizes the release of the butterfly representing the person they had feelings with. The chorus of the song talks about the singer being armed with a small butterfly net facing the world alone and never being lonely. The second and last verse of the song highlights the possibility of the butterfly (the person they separated from) coming back and sharing secrets they have gathered while flying.
Line by Line Meaning
Calm that wicked wind,
Please let go of the negative energy that is causing chaos in your life.
To pick you up
And carry you off eastward,
Allow yourself to move forward and find a new direction in life.
Though I did release you
For to seek a warmer sky
I let you go to pursue your dreams and find happiness and fulfillment elsewhere.
Should you be blown back
Know that I will always run to greet you,
If you return, I will always welcome you back with open arms and without judgement.
Still surprised to catch you
Every time
I am constantly amazed and grateful to have you back in my life.
Armed with this small butterfly net
I will face the world alone
And never be lonely
I have the tools to persevere on my own and find joy in solitude, without relying on others to make me happy.
And if you go, you could be gone forever
I will play awhile here
By and by and by and by
If you choose to leave, it may be permanent, but I will still find joy in my surroundings and live in the moment.
Up and up you go
For to steal the secrets of the heavens
Will you share them with me
My bright and brilliant spy?
As you pursue your dreams, will you still allow me to be a part of your life and share in your successes?
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christian Rudder, Justin Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@poodleypoodle
When I first heard this song my heart broke and grew and darkened and became light all at once. That is the best I can do to describe it. I have many favorite songs,but this one is far,far beyond that category. Thank you,Bishop Allen.
@LilacsAdore
Aw, that was beautiful! Love from a poodle mom.
@vanessaj6203
"I was here" introduced me to Bishop Allen🙏🏼
@SpymasterJimmy
Every time I hear this song I think of the day I lost my dog and when I hear it it actually makes me physically sick from sadness.
@johnspringer5039
I remember my wife and I used to play this song to stop my eldest daughter from crying as a baby. It worked EVERY TIME!! Saved us many a time
@flidude8636
Sax + ukulele = instant love
@geligniteandlilies
This song is so sweet but it always makes me cry, I made it like 12 seconds in and was like "NOPE!"
@geligniteandlilies
I'll just be over here crying, thanks. So pretty.
@rawritsgrace1814
I always listen to bishop Allen with my mom and I ❤️ her music it makes me happy 😊
@SpymasterJimmy
This song reminds me of Tucker my best friend and pet that passed away