Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu

Album: Lovely Little Lonely (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song finds Maine frontman John O'Callaghan struggling to find the right words to describe his love for his girl:

    You flash like a setting sun
    You come around, I come undone
    Can't find the sound under my tongue
    When I look at you


    O'Callaghan said, "This song is for the moments, places, or persons that somehow turn your tongue to stone. Those times when words truly do not possess the power to adequately paint the subject. For me, this was written for an instance when the world was made clear to me for only an instant. When trouble faded into wonder, and I had absolutely no use for the 26 letters I know."
  • This was the hardest song on Lovely, Little, Lonely to make. The Maine explained to Pop Crush: "It took so many different forms and it just didn't ever feel right until we hit on it, which is what you'll hear on the album."

    They added: "In the past, any songs that felt like a challenge, you kind of don't enjoy as much as the ones that come quick and feels like just a rush of inspiration. This one, we just knew there was something about it that was special, so we just kept working at it. I think it kind of led us to hit on something that I think is the most important song on the record."

Comments: 1

  • Boliv from BrazilThis song made me remember of a unique sensation I had when meeting a particular person in the past and being completely overwhelmed by their effect on me. It was bittersweet and exhilarating at the sime time whenever I was near this person and at the same time could not speak a single word to express it. Some songs become so special to us when they describe these situations we find ourselves at.. especially that part “you come around, I lose my brain”.. it takes me right to those moments..
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter Egos

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.