"Oh Butterfly": A Timeless Flight of Musical Brilliance

When we think of freedom, our minds often turn to birds, soaring high above the world, defying gravity with effortless grace. But even they must fly at a certain altitude to escape the constant hustle of human life. However, there's one creature that dances among us with absolute, carefree liberty: the butterfly. If you had to compose a song about a butterfly, what would it sound like? It would have to be colorful, vibrant, lightweight, and imbued with that feeling of joyous independence, right? That's exactly the magic captured in the song, "Oh Butterfly."

In this blog post, we'll explore how the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja masterfully brought the beauty, vibrance, and freedom of a butterfly to life in this iconic track.

Oh Butterfly song analysis

A 90s Gem with an Eternal Vibe

"Oh Butterfly" is from the 1992 film Meera, directed by renowned cinematographer P.C. Sreeram. This movie came out before actor Vikram rose to superstardom, and it also featured actress Aishwarya, daughter of the acclaimed Lakshmi. While the film had several hit songs from Ilaiyaraaja, "Oh Butterfly" stands out as a true masterpiece, a song that has achieved a kind of immortality. Sung by the inimitable S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and the nightingale Asha Bhosle, with lyrics by Vaali, this song is a nostalgic trip for many of us who grew up in the 90s, and it still feels as fresh and happy today as it did back then.

The Music of Oh Butterfly: A Fluttering Symphony

The song opens with an ethereal, lightweight flute melody. But this isn't just any flute; it's a long bass flute. The sound it produces is airy, blending with the sound of the breath, giving you the immediate feeling of something light and floating. This "airy tone" perfectly captures the sensation of a butterfly taking flight.

However, a bass flute's tone isn't bright enough to represent a butterfly's vibrant colors. To add that burst of brightness, Ilaiyaraaja punctuates the flute melody with sharp, staccato piano or keyboard strokes. These strokes brilliantly mimic a butterfly's sudden, unpredictable movements—its flitting here and there, its quick turns, its playful dips and rises.

Then enters the voice of the one and only S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. He sings from the perspective of an admirer, the hero, who watches the heroine—the "butterfly"—from a distance. She is carefree and untamable, and he's captivated. His voice expresses a profound sense of admiration and longing. Listen to the way he sings "Vaa Vaa," which almost sounds like "Wow Wow"—it's a testament to his unmatched ability to convey a mix of wonder, amazement, and love.

The music follows his emotional journey. When he sings "Arugil nee varuvayo," the tune soars, full of hope, as if trying to catch the butterfly. Then, as he realizes she's out of reach, the melody shifts, filled with a disappointed yearning as he sings, "Unakkaaga thiranthen manadhin kadhavai" (I opened the doors of my heart for you).

When Asha Bhosle begins to sing, she doesn't just sing the role of the butterfly; she becomes the butterfly. Her voice has a unique texture, a kind of playful charm that perfectly embodies the innocence and free spirit of the creature. Ilaiyaraaja’s genius lies in choosing the right voice for the right emotion, and Asha ji was the perfect choice for this role.

The interludes are a masterclass in themselves. The first interlude is a beautiful cascade of strings, creating a mesmerizing soundscape that evokes the sight of a swarm of butterflies. The second interlude, driven by the piano, once again captures those delightful, unpredictable movements. It’s hard to imagine that Ilaiyaraaja could conceptualize all this and translate it into musical notes. It’s almost as if he saw the entire song as a film playing out in his mind.

A Perfect Collaboration

This song is a testament to the power of a perfect artistic collaboration. The visuals by P.C. Sreeram, the meaningful lyrics by Vaali, and the sublime performances of SPB and Asha Bhosle all came together under Ilaiyaraaja’s musical direction to create something truly magical. The song doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel it.

I still remember singing this song on stage with an orchestra during my college days, and I felt as light and free as the butterfly itself. It's a song that has a timeless quality, a magic that brings a smile to your face and a lightness to your heart every time you hear it.

What's a song that makes you feel light-hearted and happy? Share it in the comments below!