Butterfly Nets Lyrics

Lyric discussion by braveliltosta 

Cover art for Butterfly Nets lyrics by Bishop Allen

Yeah I definitely feel like this summarizes my most recent relationship ending. He's actually heading out east, so that little detail just makes the song that much more "connectable".

It's a truly wonderful song. I could almost describe it as "huggable". You can really melt into it.

"calm that wicked wind, to pick you up and carry you off eastward, though i did release you for to seek a warmer sky"

it's sort of saying that they need to go about this without anger or deep regret. she's letting go of him because he feels like he needs to leave in order to accomplish something better.

"should you be blown back know that i will always run to greet you, still surprised to catch you every time"

She says that if he decides to come back to her for whatever reason, she'll always be there to welcome him with open arms. she'll take him, even if she doesn't know why since he's been gone.

"armed with this small butterfly net i will face the world alone & never be lonely

so calm that wicked wind, & if you go, you could be gone forever i will play awhile here by & by & by & by -"

i'm not positive about the butterfly net thing, but i think this might say that she'll be out there alone in the world, but she won't be lonely. she has a net that he can fall back on whenever he needs to. s/he shouldnt be resentful. she'll be waiting for him, no matter how long it takes.

"up & up you go for to steal the secrets of the heavens will you share them with me my bright & brilliant spy?"

while he's out exploring this purpose for which he left her, she's hoping he'll share some of these new discoveries (meaning he'll be coming back to her somehow and make the break-up actually mean something).

that's just my take on it. feel free to contradict me :)