When Butterflies Leave
Yusuf (Cat Stevens) Lyrics


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When butterflies leave their silk palaces
The scent of the garden blows towards Heaven's way.
Like the toils of man,
Those who work to tomorrow
Will not miss the dreams of yesterday




Overall Meaning

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In these lyrics, Yusuf (Cat Stevens) is using a beautiful metaphor of butterflies leaving their silk palaces to describe the transience of life. The scent of the garden blowing towards Heaven's way is a reference to the beauty and wonder of nature and how it transcends human mortality. The line "like the toils of man" refers to the human struggle and effort towards achieving a better tomorrow. The last line implies that those who work towards a better future will not be held back by regret and nostalgia for the past but will find solace in the hope of what is yet to come.


The metaphor of butterflies is an important aspect of this song. It represents both fragility and beauty, but also the cyclical nature of life. Butterflies have long been seen as symbols of transformation and metamorphosis, from the caterpillar to the chrysalis to the fully formed butterfly. This theme of transformation is reflected in the lyrics, as Yusuf encourages his listeners to embrace change and look to the future with hope rather than dwelling on the past.


Another interesting aspect of this song is the use of the garden as a symbol of nature's beauty and power. A garden is a place where life blossoms and thrives, but it can also be destroyed by neglect or human interference. The line "the scent of the garden blows towards Heaven's way" suggests a connection between nature and the divine, a theme that Yusuf often explores in his music.


Line by Line Meaning

When butterflies leave their silk palaces
As the butterflies depart from their luxurious cocoons,


The scent of the garden blows towards Heaven's way.
The aroma of the garden wafts towards the heavens,


Like the toils of man,
Similar to the hardships faced by humans,


Those who work to tomorrow
Those who strive for a better tomorrow


Will not miss the dreams of yesterday
Do not regret abandoning the aspirations of the past.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: YUSUF ISLAM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mariarosamassironi3257

Beautiful voice ❤

@solangeloe-sack-sioe1487

How precious!! 🌹

@EllaSouthportfair

Wonderful words from a wonderful 2006 album .. An other cup

@Ponchiegomezsaso

Visions of butterflies flying free toward tomorrow dance before my eyes as I listen, their time is short yet their beauty ( the Dream ) is still alive. Beautiful Poem.

@sumeyyeserce

🌱

@marlanargundkar25

His speaking voice is more beautiful than his singing voice!

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