Butterflies And Hurricanes
by Muse

Album: Absolution (2003)
Charted: 14
Play Video

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

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Paul Williams

Paul WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

He's a singer and an actor, but as a songwriter Paul helped make Kermit a cultured frog, turned a bank commercial into a huge hit and made love both "exciting and new" and "soft as an easy chair."

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.