From her third album Swept, the beautiful ballad “Love Moves In Mysterious Ways” (penned by the stellar song writing team Dean Pitchford and Tom Snow) was featured as the end title in the Demi Moore movie, The Butchers Wife, and went Top 20 in the UK and reached the #1 spot in the Philippines.
In 2009, Julia self released her tenth record China Blue on Little Boo Records, exclusively available through CD Baby. This jazz record is comprised of original songs written by Julia and produced and arranged by the wonderfully talented multi-instrumentalist Grant Mitchell.
As there are so many jazz “standards” records – Julia longed to release an album of original songs. However, when she played some gigs, jazz songs were added to the set, including a version of Michael McDonald’s hit “I keep Forgettin.” Rearranged and produced for this record by Jon Gilutin (Linda Ronstadt), she was thrilled when the co-producer of this song Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Michael McDonald) played the track to Michael. Having always been a huge fan, Julia was delighted when immediately after hearing her rendition of his song, Michael added his remarkable voice to the track, blessing it with his rare and distinctive vocal sound.
After a long and illustrious career, selling millions of records worldwide on Virgin Records and three releases on Vanguard Records, including a live CD and accompanying DVD, That’s Live was recorded and filmed at the House of Blues in Hollywood and released in 2005. Produced by Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Madeline Peyroux), it included an all star band and featured a stunning duet on the song “Concrete Love” with Grammy Award winning artist India.Arie and trumpet player/composer (“Crash”) Mark Isham.
Also, available exclusively from iTunes, The Baby Love EP, an exquisite collection of songs that Julia wrote for her daughter Marley Rose.
Currently Julia is in the studio with actor/comedian and classically trained pianist Paul Reiser collaborating on a record of original songs which is expected to be released in the Fall.
Butterfly
Julia Fordham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pushing against the wind
You're like a magnet
Pulling me back in
No matter how I try
No matter what I do
I keep coming back to you
Mercy mercy please
How this fatal twist of alchemy
Brings me to my knees
Chorus
Danger dangerous
What will become of us?
Strained addiction rushing over me
When will I break free?
Chorus
You're like a drug
I can't give up
I want you way too much
I keep on keep on keep on
Coming back to you
Chorus
The song "Butterfly" by Julia Fordham is an emotional ballad about the struggle between addiction and the desire for freedom. The lyrics compare the singer to a butterfly pushing against the wind, trying to break free from the pull of a magnetic force. The force in this case is a person who the singer is addicted to, and no matter how hard they try, they keep coming back. The singer pleads with the person to release them, acknowledging the dangerous nature of their connection.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the danger of this addiction, and asks the question of what will become of them. The singer acknowledges that they are trapped in a cycle of strained addiction, unable to break free. The comparison to a drug further emphasizes the destructive and all-consuming nature of this connection.
Overall, the song captures the pain and desperation of being trapped in an addictive relationship, a common theme in many popular songs. The metaphors of the butterfly and the magnet are powerful images that convey the tension and struggle of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm like a butterfly
I am delicate and vulnerable, trying to move forward in life
Pushing against the wind
Despite the obstacles and challenges I face, I keep moving forward and trying
You're like a magnet
You have a strong pull and influence on me
Pulling me back in
Bringing me back to you and the situation I am trying to get away from
No matter how I try
Regardless of my efforts to move on and let go
No matter what I do
Regardless of my actions and choices
I keep coming back to you
I am continuously drawn back to you and this situation
Mercy mercy please
I am begging for your compassion and understanding
You've got to release me
You need to let me go and free me from this toxic dynamic
How this fatal twist of alchemy
This dangerous, destructive connection between us
Brings me to my knees
Is causing me great emotional pain and misery
Chorus
Repeating the chorus shows the ongoing struggle and conflict in the situation
Danger dangerous
This situation is risky and uncertain
What will become of us?
The future outcome of this situation is uncertain and unclear
Strained addiction rushing over me
This toxic relationship is like a harmful addiction that is overwhelming me
When will I break free?
I am desperate to find a way to escape this unhealthy dynamic
You're like a drug
You are addictive and harmful to me
I can't give up
I am having a hard time letting go, even though I know it's best for me
I want you way too much
I am consumed by my desire and longing for you
I keep on keep on keep on
Despite my better judgment, I keep returning to you and this toxic dynamic
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: GARY CLARK, JULIA FORDHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind