Killing Butterflies

Lewis Blissett's 'Killing Butterflies' is a haunting exploration of inner turmoil and the destructive tendencies that can arise from emotional pain. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a mind grappling with dark thoughts and the relentless cycle of self-destruction. The repeated imagery of 'killing butterflies' serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of innocence and beauty, suggesting that the protagonist is actively destroying the delicate and beautiful aspects of their life, perhaps as a coping mechanism for deeper emotional wounds.

The song opens with a reference to past experiences that have left a lasting impact, now haunting the protagonist's dreams. The 'box' mentioned in the lyrics symbolizes Pandora's box, a mythological artifact that, once opened, unleashes all the evils of the world. This reference underscores the idea that once certain emotional barriers are broken, it becomes impossible to contain the resulting chaos. The 'little shocks' that follow are the continuous, smaller traumas that keep the protagonist in a state of perpetual distress.

The chorus, with its repetitive chant of 'killing butterflies,' emphasizes the cyclical nature of this destructive behavior. The lyrics 'Wings, hearts, some things are meant to be torn apart' and 'Faith, hope, some things are meant to be gone broke' suggest a sense of inevitability and resignation. The protagonist seems to believe that certain aspects of life are destined to be destroyed, reflecting a deep sense of hopelessness. The song's dark, almost hypnotic rhythm mirrors the relentless and consuming nature of these destructive thoughts, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience.

Blissett's vocal delivery adds another layer of intensity to the song, conveying a mix of vulnerability and defiance. The repeated lines 'We stay up all night killing butterflies' and 'Maybe it's my fault we've been up all night' hint at a shared experience of pain and the struggle to find solace. The song ultimately captures the complexity of dealing with inner demons and the ways in which people can become trapped in cycles of self-destruction, making 'Killing Butterflies' a poignant and thought-provoking piece of music.