Nicole C. Mullen - Butterfly Lyrics
Lyrics
Not yet a woman and certainly not a child
But I was caught somewhere in the middle
On that one Friday afternoon
And I, I remember mama saying, "It's time for you to go
Go out on and change the world and become
All that you have dreamed of"
And as the tears that she was crying
Fell from her face and shoulders she said
"Don't forget who you are child, where you
Come from, where you're goin'
'Cause I'm always gonna be here for you
Fighting in your corner
So with every bow you take
Take one for those that came before you"
(Chorus)
Fly, Fly Butterfly Fly
Stand upon these two shoulders of mine
Spread those wings of yours and fly
Now I'm a woman and I've got a child
And I can't believe the day's gonna come
When she tells me that it's time to soar
And I don't know what I'm gonna do
Not sure what I'm gonna tell her
Maybe don't forget who you are child
Where you come from, where you're going
'Cause I'm always gonna be here for you
Fighting in your corner
So with every bow you take
Take one for those that came before ya
(Chorus)
There is something sacred
About the letting go of those we want to hold
So tightly to, but somehow we know
They must move on
On for those who have a dream to make our future better
And on for those who will earn their wings
In spite of wind and weather
You tell 'em love is waiting there
Forever in their corner
So with every bow they take
They'll take one for those that came before them
(Chorus)
Video
Butterfly
Meaning & Inspiration
Nicole C. Mullen's "Butterfly," released in 2000 on her self-titled album, is a poignant exploration of generational transition, maternal guidance, and the enduring strength found in faith and heritage. At its core, the song captures the bittersweet moment when a parent must encourage their child to embrace their own path, a journey intrinsically tied to the wisdom and sacrifices of those who came before. Mullen beautifully illustrates this with the central metaphor of a butterfly, symbolizing transformation and the courage required to spread one’s wings and explore the world. The lyrics evoke a vivid scene of a mother releasing her daughter, not with a sense of abandonment, but with a profound blessing. This act of letting go is presented as something "sacred," a necessary step for growth and for the realization of dreams that can, in turn, "make our future better." This sentiment echoes the biblical principle found in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven," emphasizing that every stage of life has its divine timing and purpose. The mother's charge to her daughter, "Don't forget who you are child, where you come from, where you're goin'," is a powerful reminder of identity rooted in our origins and guided by our aspirations, mirroring the scriptural call to remember God's faithfulness and His plans for us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The enduring presence of the parent, "fighting in your corner," signifies the unwavering support and love that underpins this independent flight, much like God's constant presence in the lives of His children, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." The song’s second verse beautifully transitions to Mullen’s own experience as a mother, facing the same impending moment of release with her child. This cyclical reflection highlights the universal nature of this parental role, demonstrating how the lessons learned and the love given are passed down through generations, becoming a legacy of encouragement. The powerful refrain, "So with every bow you take / Take one for those that came before you," serves as a profound call to honor lineage and to acknowledge the shoulders upon which we stand, a spiritual echo of the Apostle Paul's encouragement in Hebrews 12:1 to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Ultimately, "Butterfly" is more than just a song; it's a spiritual testament to the transformative power of love, the courage of independence, and the profound connection between past, present, and future, all anchored in the unwavering presence and guidance that faith provides.