Butterflies And Hurricanes by Muse

Album: Absolution (2003)

Charted: 14

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This song title takes it's name from a common mathematical chaos theory. The theory is that if a butterfly beats its wings in China, the force could create a hurricane in the United States. In essence, the smallest contributor can make a really big difference. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Bryan - LaGrange, IN
There are some classical elements in this song, including a string section and a piano interlude, which is edited out of the radio version.
The band dedicated this song to Muse drummer Dominic Howard's father, who collapsed and died shortly after their performance at the 2004 Glastonbury Festival. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Donovan Berry - El Dorado, AR, for above 2

Comments: 10

Whitney from La Crosse, WiI feel this song has an epic feeling. I know that word has become cliched recently, but in this case it is fitting. Personally, I find it to be a very uplifting song. It takes us through a range of emotions that we may feel when we are faced with obstacles that seem impossible to pass. Matthew has expressed much interest in revolution and Marxist theories, so it may be political.
Justin from Covina, CaThis must be the best, or one of the best, Muse songs EVER. Muse is awesome! I don't care what people say about Muse being too repetetive. Besides, the parts that are repeated are usually the best parts, anyway. :P
Liberty from Somewhere, InFor some reason, this song scares a lot of my friends, but i think it's a beautiful song.
Ret from Bristol, United KingdomA masterpiece. No nanes, but I taught a piano version of this to a fine student of mine, the interlude reminiscent of Franz Liszt in no cheap way.
Wes from Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaHighlight of my whole life: Butterflies and Hurricanes live, stadium overflowing with the sound of that piano interlude, smoke and lights etc at end of the interlude, and then back into "beeeeesssst, you've got to be the beeeesssst" when he takes it up an octave.
Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaCouldnt agree with you more Billy, the man is pure magic
Billy from Perris, CaMatthew Bellamy is my only idol. Solid musician. All-around good guy. Never heard him curse in a song either. This song is an excellent example of his songwriting skills and it is truly beautiful.
Will from Baghdad, IraqBellamy really is one of the best piano players of our generation, the solo is just phenomenal, I tried to play it, it is just incredible that he could write something like that
Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaI agree with you Victoria,it is a briliant song and it gives me tingles whenever I listen to it, that means it must be good!Also, Matt Bellamy is so frickin' hot!!!!
Victoria from BÃ?rum, NorwayAah...First comment:) Now that's cool! This song is awesome, and I just can't listen to it enough! Addicted to it, I guess:) Brilliant!

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Two TribesFrankie Goes to Hollywood

Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Two Tribes" features British actor Patrick Allen reading extracts from a government civil defense leaflet.

Mr. Blue SkyElectric Light Orchestra

It was never a big hit, but the uplifting "Mr. Blue Sky" has endured as Electric Light Orchestra's most popular song. Group leader Jeff Lynne wrote it when after two weeks of gloomy weather, the clouds parted to reveal a beautiful day.

Casey JonesGrateful Dead

The Grateful Dead considered "whipping that chain" and "lugging propane," but settled on "high on cocaine" for "Casey Jones."

Carolina In My MindJames Taylor

Before it was part of a Pink Floyd album title, James Taylor put the line "still I'm on the dark side of the moon" in his 1968 song "Carolina In My Mind." He was living in London and missing his home in North Carolina.

Touch MeThe Doors

At the end of the Doors song "Touch Me," Jim Morrison chants, "Stronger than dirt!" The line is from an Ajax commercial where a white knight rides around destroying dirt.

LaylaDerek & the Dominos

Eric Clapton wrote "Layla" about his love for Pattie Harrison, who was married to George Harrison at the time. He eventually married Pattie, and managed to stay friends with George.