I strongly disagree with the interpretations that this is about "seizing the moment." It's about lost innocence and emptiness.
First, there's the title: "Butterfly Caught." A butterfly is symbolic of beauty and, in eastern cultures (which have influenced Massive Attack's music), the soul. It's also symbolic of transition. A butterfly being captured means a soul being confined, abused, and damaged. Something beautiful being stifled and repressed. And another transition is occurring--the loss of innocence that I mentioned.
The "pearly sunrise" line isn't about seizing the moment. It's about a new day beginning--one full of loss.
The sexual imagery is metaphorical. The song isn't about sex, but sex is used to convey an impression of someone being exposed to the cruel world, or their internal emptiness, or anything other realization of how horrifying their conditions are.
Youthful imagery ("uncut teeth," etc) is spliced with the sexual imagery to create discomfort and emphasize the theme of lost innocence. The "keep smiling for me" line that's repeated sounds completely predatory.
Finally, it ends with "under your feet" as a metaphor for powerlessness and hopelessness.
In the video, he sits alone in a sparsely furnished apartment to symbolize emptiness, and he gradually changes into a moth to symbolize his internal struggles consuming him.
Again, this isn't about seizing the day. It's also not quite about sex, even though it uses sexual imagery. It's a haunting, pessimistic song about losing one's innocence and dreams and hopes and finding oneself in a vacuous, lonely world with no escape, and being consumed by depression, rage, guilt, envy, frustration, and self-hatred.
I wasn't sure about the meaning of the song for such metaphors as these the possibilities are endless but your description is exactly what I had in the back of my mind since the album came out. I understand the whole album but was always doubtful of this song. Thanks for your post.
I wasn't sure about the meaning of the song for such metaphors as these the possibilities are endless but your description is exactly what I had in the back of my mind since the album came out. I understand the whole album but was always doubtful of this song. Thanks for your post.
I strongly disagree with the interpretations that this is about "seizing the moment." It's about lost innocence and emptiness.
First, there's the title: "Butterfly Caught." A butterfly is symbolic of beauty and, in eastern cultures (which have influenced Massive Attack's music), the soul. It's also symbolic of transition. A butterfly being captured means a soul being confined, abused, and damaged. Something beautiful being stifled and repressed. And another transition is occurring--the loss of innocence that I mentioned.
The "pearly sunrise" line isn't about seizing the moment. It's about a new day beginning--one full of loss.
The sexual imagery is metaphorical. The song isn't about sex, but sex is used to convey an impression of someone being exposed to the cruel world, or their internal emptiness, or anything other realization of how horrifying their conditions are.
Youthful imagery ("uncut teeth," etc) is spliced with the sexual imagery to create discomfort and emphasize the theme of lost innocence. The "keep smiling for me" line that's repeated sounds completely predatory.
Finally, it ends with "under your feet" as a metaphor for powerlessness and hopelessness.
In the video, he sits alone in a sparsely furnished apartment to symbolize emptiness, and he gradually changes into a moth to symbolize his internal struggles consuming him.
Again, this isn't about seizing the day. It's also not quite about sex, even though it uses sexual imagery. It's a haunting, pessimistic song about losing one's innocence and dreams and hopes and finding oneself in a vacuous, lonely world with no escape, and being consumed by depression, rage, guilt, envy, frustration, and self-hatred.
Great interpretation there. The song totally makes sense to me know. Thanks
Great interpretation there. The song totally makes sense to me know. Thanks
I wasn't sure about the meaning of the song for such metaphors as these the possibilities are endless but your description is exactly what I had in the back of my mind since the album came out. I understand the whole album but was always doubtful of this song. Thanks for your post.
I wasn't sure about the meaning of the song for such metaphors as these the possibilities are endless but your description is exactly what I had in the back of my mind since the album came out. I understand the whole album but was always doubtful of this song. Thanks for your post.
The most relailable comment. By the way, I've signed up to write this comment. lol
The most relailable comment. By the way, I've signed up to write this comment. lol
I agree
I agree