Butterflies
Crimpshrine Lyrics

When I was younger I chased butterflies
In my youth, I had the freedom to explore nature and marvel at its beauty without any restrictions or distractions.

But now I look around and realize
As I grew up, I started to notice the changes around me and understand how human activities and development have impacted the environment.

That there are no butterflies around here anymore.
The destruction caused by urbanization and commercialization has wiped out the delicate species and destroyed the natural habitats of various animals.

Now there's more people everywhere
The burgeoning population has put enormous pressure on our resources, infrastructure, and services, creating chaos and congestion in urban areas.

And on ground that once was bare
The greedy developers have bulldozed the forests, fields, and meadows to construct mammoth structures, depleting the green cover and altering the ecology of the region.

They've built condos and shopping malls
The relentless pursuit of profit has led to the commercialization of every available space, turning cities into concrete jungles of branded stores, multiplexes, and restaurants.

And on streets I walked where the sun shined
In the past, I roamed on streets that felt free and open, where the natural light filtered in and the air was fresh and clean.

Shadows grow as buildings climb
As more buildings rise higher and higher, they cast shadows on the streets, blocking out the sunlight and making the surroundings gloomy and dark.

And I get older getting colder everyday
The passage of time has made me realize how the city's harshness has affected me, eroding my warmth, innocence, and joy bit by bit.

The concrete stretches for miles
The omnipresent concrete landscape, with its tall buildings, wide roads, and vast parking lots, has replaced the natural contours of the land and left no breathing space.

They put it up in different styles
Though the architects and builders try to create unique designs and shapes, the overall effect remains the same, monotonous and uninspiring, lacking any character or soul.

But it still looks pretty ugly to me...
Despite all the cosmetic upgrades and facades, the city's inner ugliness, its pollution, noise, and congestion, continues to haunt me and make me feel detached and disillusioned.

What a pity
It is unfortunate and disappointing that the city of my childhood dreams has turned into a soulless and uninviting place.

They've fucked up this city
The greed, corruption, and apathy of the authorities and the developers have ruined the city, destroying its natural and cultural heritage and creating a mess of chaos and ugliness.

Where I grew up
This city used to be my home, my sanctuary, my Eden, where I could frolic and explore without fear or inhibition.

Now it's grown too big
The size and complexity of the city has outgrown me, overtaken me, and marginalized me, making me feel small and insignificant.

And there's no room left for me
The city's expansion and overcrowding have left me with no space, no place, and no sense of belonging, making me feel like an outsider in my own hometown.

Maybe it was just cuz I was younger
In hindsight, I realize that my nostalgia and fondness for the past may be influenced by my youthful ignorance and idealism that made me see things through rose-tinted glasses.

But people here seemed friendlier
Despite the harsh realities of life in the city, I remember a time when the people here were more open, kind, and compassionate, forming deep and lasting bonds with each other.

And life was so much simpler
Back then, life was less complex, less materialistic, and less stressful, allowing us to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, friendships, and community life.

When I was growing up
Those formative years of my life, filled with innocence, curiosity, and wonder, were spent in this city, which has now changed beyond recognition.

People closed up as a defense
The city's harshness has made people defensive, guarded, and aloof, protecting themselves from the onslaught of strangers, dangers, and disappointments.

Protecting what little space they had left
Given the scarcity of resources, opportunities, and spaces in the city, people have to guard their physical and emotional boundaries and protect their interests and assets.

And now everyone's uptight and tense
The collective stress, anxiety, and pressure of urban living have transformed the people into a neurotic, paranoid, and agitated mass, craving for escape and relief.

The city's bleakness makes people numb
The city's oppressive atmosphere, with its pollution, noise, and monotony, has desensitized the people, making them indifferent, apathetic, and robotic.

Sounds and lights and escape
The people seek refuge and entertainment in the city's music, movies, and clubs, trying to escape the drudgery and boredom of their daily lives.

From having to deal with anyone
In the city, people have to interact with strangers, acquaintances, and clients all the time, often with ulterior motives, hidden agendas, or rude behavior, which can be exhausting and frustrating.

I want to live in a place where
My ideal city is a place where I can find peace, beauty, and harmony, where I can live in sync with nature, culture, and my own values and passions.

I can see a smile on the face
The people in my ideal city are friendly, open, and happy, radiating joy, warmth, and kindness, making me feel safe, welcome, and loved.

Of someone passing by and say "hi"...
The simple act of greeting, acknowledging, and connecting with fellow citizens can create a sense of community, belonging, and trust, which can enrich and enliven our lives in the city.

Now I need to find a place
My quest for the ideal city has become a necessity, a goal, and a dream that drives me to explore, learn, and grow as a person and as a citizen.

Where I can grow and climb
In my ideal city, I can find opportunities to learn, innovate, and succeed, utilizing my talents and skills to their full potential, and taking on new challenges and adventures.

And I can chase
My ideal city allows me to pursue my passions, hobbies, and interests, whether it's chasing butterflies, writing poetry, or playing a musical instrument, without any fear, shame, or judgment.

Butterflies again
The metaphoric butterflies signify the beauty, grace, and fragility of nature, which need to be respected, preserved, and celebrated in our cities, rather than being replaced by cold, artificial, and ugly structures.