I did what my body told me to/
I didn’t mean to do you harm.

In “Butterfly”, Weezer (Rivers Cuomo/the narrator) struggles with the allure of beautiful women (the butterfly) while he is in a committed relationship. It appears that he cheats. He argues that it was a biological imperative (“It’s what my body told me to”) but we’re not sure how far that will get him.

In fact, it probably causes him to lose the relationship: (“Every time I pin down what I think I want it slips away.”) But perhaps he is just destined to a life of chasing butterflies. As the song ends, he concludes that he is, in fact, never coming back to the relationship.

The beauty of “Butterfly” is in the honesty of the lyric. Regardless of whether it is based on real events or not, it paints a clear picture of the struggle young men face with the need to sow their wild oats. This is one of the more honest and raw depictions I can think of. The simplified vocal track and acoustic arrangement brings the lyric to the forefront making this a great candidate for Weezer’s best song.

Butterfly Lyrics

Yesterday, I went outside
With my momma’s mason jar
Caught a lovely butterfly
When I woke up today
Looked in on my fairy pet
She had withered all away
No more sighing in her breast

I’m sorry for what I did
I did what my body told me to
I didn’t mean to do you harm
Every time I pin down what I think I want, it slips away
The ghost slips away

Smell you on my hand for days
I can’t wash away your scent
If I’m a dog, then you’re a bitch
I guess you’re as real as me
Maybe I can live with that
Maybe I need fantasy
Life of chasing butterfly

I’m sorry for what I did
I did what my body told me to
I didn’t mean to do you harm
Every time I pin down what I think I want, it slips away
The ghost slips away

I told you I would return
When the robin makes his nest
But I ain’t never coming back

I’m sorry
I’m sorry
I’m sorry

written by Rivers Cuomo