Lewis Blissett – “Killing Butterflies” Lyrics Meaning

“Killing Butterflies” is a powerful song for the struggles of dealing with inner turmoil and the fight against one’s own demons. The song uses the metaphor of “killing butterflies” to represent the destruction of innocence and beauty within oneself, as life’s hardships and personal struggles take their toll. It’s a journey through the emotional landscape of someone wrestling with their inner conflicts and the pain of losing parts of themselves. The song is about facing and battling one’s darker aspects. Blissett wrote this song to give voice to these internal battles, highlighting the often unseen struggles that many go through.

Curious about the deeper meanings behind the lyrics of “Killing Butterflies”? Keep reading to uncover the intricate layers of this emotive song and delve into the psyche behind its creation.


“Killing Butterflies” Lyrics Meaning

“Killing Butterflies” starts with a chilling reflection: “All the things we’ve seen, they just make us scream, now they’re in our dreams.” These lines set a tone of trauma and haunting memories. It suggests that the experiences have been so impactful they’ve invaded even the sanctuary of dreams.

“Open up the box, now it never stops, full of little shocks” likely symbolizes opening Pandora’s box of inner turmoil. Once opened, it’s impossible to close, continuously revealing more layers of pain and surprise.

“Killing, killing, killing butterflies”. Butterflies, often symbols of beauty, transformation, and innocence, are being destroyed. This metaphor could represent the loss of innocence or purity within oneself due to life’s harsh realities.

“Fly on back to me, get your sweet relief, shiver like a leaf” indicates a cycle of returning to something or someone for comfort, only to experience fear and vulnerability, like a leaf shivering in the wind.

The song progresses to “Maybe it’s my fault we’ve been up all night, only thing we have is our appetite.” This self-blame and acknowledgment of unending desires suggest a struggle with inner demons and an insatiable need for something, perhaps peace or happiness, that remains elusive.

The repetitive nature of the chorus, with its incessant mention of “killing butterflies,” drills in the relentless nature of this internal battle. The repetition mimics the endless cycle of struggle, emphasizing the constant fight within.

The Story Behind “Killing Butterflies”

“Killing Butterflies” is a confession, a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the artist’s inner world. Lewis Blissett wrote this song at a time when he was grappling with his own personal demons. It reflects his state of mind, filled with agitation, self-reflection, and a relentless quest for understanding and peace.

The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has seen too much, felt too deeply, and is now trying to navigate the aftermath of these intense experiences. The metaphor of killing butterflies isn’t just about the destruction of beauty; it’s about the transformation that occurs when innocence is lost, and reality hits hard.

Blissett’s songwriting process for “Killing Butterflies” was likely a cathartic experience, a way to process and express feelings that are often too complex and painful to articulate. It’s a journey through the darker parts of the human psyche, exploring themes of loss, pain, and the continuous struggle against one’s inner darkness.

This song resonates because it speaks to a universal truth: we all have our battles, our inner demons that we fight in the quiet of our minds. “Killing Butterflies” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of these struggles, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.