"Butterflies and Hurricanes" was released on Absolution in 2003. The song c… Read Full Bio ↴"Butterflies and Hurricanes" was released on Absolution in 2003. The song concerns itself with the "butterfly effect," describing how individuals can change the world forever just as the turbulence generated by a butterfly's wings may create tiny changes in the atmosphere ultimately redirecting the path of a hurricane. The song is notable for its Rachmaninoff-style virtuoso piano solo that begins quietly with what may be likened to the flapping of thousands of tiny butterfly wings, and ends with the majestic cascading sounds of diminished 7ths flowing all the way up and down the piano keyboard.

There are several versions of "Butterflies and Hurricanes". For the original studio recording, introduction, verse and choruses were played on keyboard. The band later reworked the song for guitar during the Absolution tour, including an extended guitar solo before the piano interlude (and a bass filler to cover Matt Bellamy's transition from guitar to keyboard). The single version contains both guitar and keyboard, but loses the guitar solo, and the interlude is shorter, reducing the song from 5:01 to 4:48. The vinyl single includes a full-length version with guitars. Finally, the radio edit of the single goes further by omitting the entire piano interlude, bringing the song down to 4:10.

The promotional video comprises footage of "Butterflies and Hurricanes" being played at different venues along the Absolution tour with colourful effects added, and images of the Colosseum in Rome.

"Butterflies and Hurricanes" was later covered with full orchestral accompaniment by pop pianist William Joseph on his 2004 album Within.

The song was dedicated to Dominic Howard's father, who died shortly after the band's performance at Glastonbury Festival.

Butterflies and Hurricanes
Muse Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Change
Everything you are
And everything you were
Your number has been called
Fights, battles have begun
Revenge will surely come
Your hard times are ahead

Best
You've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And you use this chance to be heard
Your time is now (your time is now)

Change
Everything you are
And everything you were
Your number has been called
Fights and battles have begun
Revenge will surely come
Your hard times are ahead

Best
You've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And you use this chance to be heard
Your time is now (your time is now)

Don't
Let yourself down
Don't let yourself go
Your last chance has arrived

Best

You've got to be the best
You've got to change the world
And you use this chance to be heard
Your time is now (your time is now)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Muse's "Butterflies and Hurricanes" talk about the need for change and the urgency to achieve greatness. The song is a call to action, urging the listener to rise above their past and become the best version of themselves. The opening lines of the song, "Change everything you are, and everything you were" sets the stage for the rest of the song which talks about the need for transformation.

The lyrics also speak about the inevitability of struggle and conflict in the pursuit of greatness. The line "Fights, battles have begun, revenge will surely come, Your hard times are ahead" serves as a warning that obstacles and hardships are likely to arise, but the importance of persevering and pushing through is emphasized by the repeated refrain of "You've got to be the best, and you use this chance to be heard, Your time is now".

The song's message is one of motivation and encouragement, urging the listener to seize the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the world. The lyrics suggest that it is up to the individual to make a change, and the time to do so is now. The song is an anthem for self-improvement and personal growth.

Line by Line Meaning

Change
Transform yourself and your past to face the challenges ahead

Everything you are
Your present identity and state of being

And everything you were
Your past identity and experiences

Your number has been called
Destiny has chosen you for a monumental task

Fights, battles have begun
Struggles and conflicts have initiated and must be confronted

Revenge will surely come
Retaliation and vengeance are inevitable consequences

Your hard times are ahead
Difficult and trying situations are imminent

Best
Strive to be the greatest and surpass all expectations

You've got to be the best
You must achieve greatness and exceed your limits

And you use this chance to be heard
Take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard

Your time is now (your time is now)
The moment to act and make a difference is currently unfolding

Don't
Do not

Let yourself down
Do not disappoint yourself

Don't let yourself go
Do not give up or surrender

Your last chance has arrived
This is your final opportunity to succeed

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Matthew James Bellamy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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