I caught a lovely butterfly just the other day
I took it home and mounted it and put it on display
I longed to see that butterfly fluttering its wings
Instead, I all I saw was a still and lifeless thing
Butterflies are lovely when they're flying all around
Soaring through the air without making any sound
But the beauty of a butterfly won't last unless it's flying free
And now I understand the freedom your spirit longs to see
I went back to the field where they were hovering all around
I stood there quietly and I scarcely made a sound.
But then another butterfly lit upon my arm
I watched it for a little while, my soul completely charmed
When it left, I watched it go and shed a silent tear
The moment was so special and so perfect and so clear
I can't hold you too close because you must soar so high
Cause you, like butterflies, must fly or else you'll die