Internationally-renowned artist MARINA has released “Butterfly” today, a fun but trite lead single for her forthcoming sixth album. It’s also the first release under her independent label, Queenie Records. The track is MARINA’s first new music drop since her 2021 album Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (in 2022 she released a both deluxe edition of this album and a “Platinum Blonde Edition” of Electra Heart in honor of its tenth anniversary). MARINA, previously stylized as Marina and the Diamonds, also released the poetry book Eat the World in October.
“Butterfly” is four and a half minutes long: a betrayal bop, but sung with grace rather than heavy anger. Lyrics include “Sometimes people gonna let you down/ Not everybody’s meant to stick around” and “Trust no bitch, even people that you love/ I can flip a switch quicker than a blade does.” The lyrics refer to the necessity of self-reliance, an independent track for her first release on her independent label. There is also the obvious theme of a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly, signaling transformation and leaving behind what is not meant to be.
There is a part of “Butterfly” where Marina croons “Goodbye, goodbye,” a reference to the Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land track “Goodbye” where Marina sings of bidding farewell to a relationship and a former version of self. Therein includes the message that transformation is painful but necessary, and in order to live in your fullest expression you have to leave your old life behind.
While there is a beauty in the simplicity and purity of these lyrics, they are ultimately underwhelming. The metaphor of a cocoon/butterfly transformation feels trite, which feels frustrating because Marina is often heralded for her quirky and unique lyrics and melodies.
“Butterly” feels like a sonic return to form. The track sounds like a mix of MARINA’s earlier albums Electra Heart and Froot, and the bridge specifically sounds very similar to her 2010 song “Are You Satisfied?” off of her debut album, The Family Jewels. The chorus does deviate from her previous work, with a pitched voice that sounds like children singing in unison. The track is produced by Cj Baran, known for his work with Carly Rae Jepsen, Melanie Martinez, and Panic! At The Disco among others. While the lyrics are not her best, there is still inspiration to be found in the metamorphosis. “Spread my wings in the golden light/And I fly/And I fly.”
“Butterfly” is out now.
Words by Caitlin Doherty
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