Butterfly
CORINNE BAILEY RAE - Corinne Bailey Rae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In my mother's house
There's a photograph
Of a day gone past
Always makes me laugh
There's a little girl
Wary of the world
She got much to learn
An infinity
Between you and me
'Cause we're family
Yeah, said that I'd be fine
Give me all your time
And I left your side
Like a butterfly
[Chorus:]
Shower me with your love
All of everyday
You make the milk, gold sun shine on me
Lift me up so high
Watch me fly away
Would you give me life
Like a butterfly?
In my mother's house
There was happiness
I ride myself in it
Was my chrysalis
As my life unfolds
See a pattern through
Of you protecting me
And I protecting you
What was that you'd say?
"Make your own mistakes"
And when you would
Make sure that you remain the same
Now I realize
What was on your mind
When I left your side
Like a butterfly?
[Chorus]
Shower me with your love
All of everyday
You make the milk, gold sun shine on me
Lift me up so high
Watch me fly away
And you give me life
Like a butterfly?
The song "Butterfly" by Corinne Bailey Rae talks about the memories of childhood, the bond between family, growing up, and leaving the protective nest of home. The lyrics are a reflection of the artist’s childhood memories and the love and support she received from her family. The photograph in her mother's house takes her back to the days of her childhood where she was just a little girl who was wary of the outside world with much to learn. Even though the distance between her family and her now might be great, the bond that they share as a family will always be there, and they'll always remain close in each other's hearts, even though they may be far apart
The chorus of the song speaks about the unconditional love that the artist has received from her family. She sings about the love that has been showered on her like a butterfly, which symbolizes new beginnings, transformation, and growth. The artist requests to be showered every day with the love and positivity that comes with the sunshine. She also speaks about the importance of being lifted above the ground with support to believe in oneself and to make progress in life.
Overall, the song Butterfly is a reflection on the journey of life, the role of family, and the appreciation of protection, support and guidance. The artist relays her belief that her family's love gave her the wings to fly to take her to where she is today.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooo, ooo, yeah
Introductory line setting the mood.
In my mother's house
Referring to her childhood home where she learned life lessons.
There's a photograph
A memory from the past hanging on the wall.
Of a day gone past
A snapshot of a time when things were different.
Always makes me laugh
Brings back fond memories of the past.
There's a little girl
Referring to herself as a child.
Wary of the world
Feeling cautious, unsure and unprepared for life's challenges.
She got much to learn
Acknowledging that she has a lot to learn.
Get her fingers burned
Acknowledging that she will make mistakes and learn from them.
An infinity
Undefined length of time.
Between you and me
Referring to a connection between two people.
'Cause we're family
Blood ties that create bonds between family members.
Yeah, said that I'd be fine
Assurances from loved ones that everything will be okay.
Give me all your time
Wanting undivided attention and affection from loved ones.
And I left your side
Leaving the safety and comfort of the family home.
Like a butterfly
Comparing her departure to that of a butterfly leaving its cocoon.
[Chorus:]
Referring to the chorus.
Shower me with your love
Being showered with affection and attention.
All of everyday
Wanting love and attention every day, always.
You make the milk, gold sun shine on me
Loved ones providing sustenance and warmth in her life.
Lift me up so high
Feeling loved and lifted up by loved ones.
Watch me fly away
Leaving the safety and comfort of loved ones to spread her wings.
Would you give me life
Asking if loved ones will support her and give her life.
In my mother's house
Referring to childhood home.
There was happiness
Describing a happy home life.
I ride myself in it
Happiness is something she takes pride in.
Was my chrysalis
Her childhood home was a place where she transformed and grew.
As my life unfolds
The culmination of her life experiences.
See a pattern through
Reflecting on her past and seeing how it has shaped her.
Of you protecting me
Loved ones providing protection and guidance.
And I protecting you
Being able to provide comfort and support in return.
What was that you'd say?
Referring to advice given by loved ones.
"Make your own mistakes"
Loved ones encourage her to learn from her own mistakes.
And when you would
When she eventually does make those mistakes.
Make sure that you remain the same
Reassurance that she is still loved, no matter what.
Now I realize
Coming to an understanding about life lessons.
What was on your mind
Understanding the perspective of her loved ones.
When I left your side
Feeling guilty about leaving her loved ones.
Like a butterfly?
Questioning if leaving her loved ones was the right thing to do.
[Chorus]
Referring to the chorus.
And you give me life
Loved ones providing continued support and motivation for her.
Like a butterfly?
Comparing her growth and transformation to a butterfly's metamorphosis.
Lyrics © Global Talent Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CORINNE BAILEY RAE, ROD BOWKETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind