"Butterfly" by Kina Grannis is a melancholic song that explores the themes of regret and the fleeting nature of desires. The lyrics depict a situation where the narrator catches a butterfly in her momma's mason jar, symbolizing a temporary desire or pursuit. However, when she wakes up the next day to check on her "fairy pet," she finds it withered away, representing the consequences of her actions. The narrator expresses remorse for what she did, acknowledging that she followed her instincts without considering the harm it may cause. She reflects on how every time she tries to hold onto something she wants, it slips away like a ghost. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the transient nature of desires and the inability to fully possess or grasp them. The narrator further contemplates the nature of reality and the role fantasy plays in her life. She wonders if she can live with the reality that things, like the butterfly, may be just as transient as her own existence. Perhaps she relies on fantasy to escape this harsh reality, emphasizing her desire for a life of chasing butterfly-like ephemeral experiences. The song concludes with the narrator rejecting the notion of coming back, even though she had promised to return. This refusal symbolizes her acceptance of the consequences and her decision to move on, highlighting the irreversibility of her actions. Overall, "Butterfly" symbolizes the fleeting nature of desires and the consequences of acting solely on instinct. It conveys a sense of regret and the acceptance of the impermanence of certain experiences, while also examining the role of fantasy in coping with the harsh realities of life.
