Dream of Butterfly

Yumi Kawamura's 'Dream of Butterfly' delves into the delicate boundary between dreams and reality, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The song opens with a philosophical question, 'Dream of butterfly, or is life a dream?' This line references the famous Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi's paradox, where he dreams of being a butterfly and upon waking, questions whether he is a man dreaming of being a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming of being a man. This sets the tone for the song's exploration of the transient nature of existence and the blurred lines between dreams and reality.

The lyrics express a deep sense of longing and contentment found within a dream, 'Don't wanna wake up 'cause I'm happier here.' The protagonist finds solace in the presence of a loved one, 'anata ga iru sore dakede yokatta,' which translates to 'It was enough that you were there.' However, this happiness is fleeting, as the realization dawns that it is all a dream, 'dakedo sore wa yume de,' and like bubbles in the dark ocean, it dissolves, leaving the protagonist alone and grasping at intangible memories.

The song also touches on the struggle to find something real and lasting in a world that is constantly changing, 'utsurou kono sekai nani wo shinjite ikireba ii?' This line translates to 'In this ever-changing world, what should I believe in to keep living?' The protagonist grapples with feelings of sadness, regret, and the desire to move forward despite the pain, 'kanashimi (I can't believe in you) oborete (but I cannot forget you).' The repeated refrain of 'I'll march on' signifies a determination to continue despite the heartache and confusion, embodying a resilient spirit in the face of life's uncertainties.