Meaning of "Butterfly" by Christina Perri

The lyrics of "Butterfly" by Christina Perri convey the painful realization of being drawn to someone who is unattainable and unreliable. The metaphor of the butterfly symbolizes the fleeting and elusive nature of the person the speaker is addressing. Despite recognizing the person's faults and tendencies to deceive, the speaker still holds onto hope for something more. This reflects a common human experience of longing for connection and love, even when it is clear that the other person is not right for them. The repeated chorus of "You only know how to fly" emphasizes the idea that some people are simply not meant to be caught or tamed, no matter how much one desires them to stay. Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet longing and eventual acceptance of an unrequited love or doomed relationship.