Heard this at the end of one of the episodes of "The Shield" and it immediately grabbed me. I love great songwriters- Waits, Cave, MacGowan. This one is up there with the greats.
After having an abusive relationship, you think it's impossible to be loved again. After what was a happy little accident over picking up and returning a cute sweater to it's owner months after, I was in the throws of it again. I loved her a lot, but I knew that everything I did for her was extra. With a life hard all on it's own, telling her to close up again, I knew it wouldn't be long till all she would say was "You don't have to do that for me" and I knew it wouldn't matter what I did then. I had to let her go, I think I'm ready to get back into the world, and ready to hear this song without having a hard time.
This is a classic song that stopped me in my tracks. In 2006 my dad was driving me and my brother to school and this played on WMBR 88.1. I think on a Wednesday. it stopped us all in our tracks. I tried to scribble the words on one of my text books. I covered my text books with paper bags and stuff (everyone did in my high school) and I think I tried to write down the words so I'd remember it. i remember getting to school and just remember and hearing what it was. later I was so excited i went home and went on the WMBR archive to find out what it was. We all got so into the Magnetic Fields because of that. My dad doesn't really like any music i do except the Magnetic Fields and the Cure and stuff.
The first time I heard these guys it was accidental too, they were playing maybe with another name too, but although there were other bands around playing still earlier techno, much fading into else (before everything went into a "new sound discovered" promoted massively with bands of back alley cats meowing/grunging their entitled Whiteness disappointments at slacking it from Seattle) in that late 80's sweet period of Peace, before the Crusades over the Middle East will start for the next decade/s...when I heard the Music these were doing, I realized that was something else of higher value than commercial labels promoters unfaithful waltzes with bands if pop in returns to invested pumping in their money schemes. This was, truly better crafted music as the Indie revolution ever made possible to be proud, not just knowing but enriching your life. After I returned to Boston, I was very relieved to find they finally had recorded some of their songs, so they could be around me wherever I went in the World. Not just a memory or dream of a short period of time
This is one of the more tragic songs I've heard. To think, that someone is guaranteed they'll get everything they ever wanted, the way they want it, but it's still somehow not good enough. It reminds me of something Sylvia Plath would feel. Beautifully Heart Breaking.
An excellent song to listen to when you've had too much bottled up for too long and really need to just sit down and have a really good, cleansing cry... :'(
The Shield, Season 1 Episode 8, 'Cupid & Psycho'.. that's where I discovered this song. I've been researching The Shield recently. Amazing show, this song fit the scene perfectly. Glad I now know the name of this song! :)
Don't know you but lovely comment, first heard this on the shield and instantly loved it, perfect scene for it too, reminds me of my first and only true love, hauntingly beautiful, took me years to find this song, didn't know what it was called, just remembered bit about butterfly, googled it and found it.
My ex used to say all the time, that he would like to be a beautiful butterfly (as a joke). My heart broke when he had to move to another country. I was amazed when I heard this song. It reminds me of us.
Victoria Vigilante pasé por una situación exactamente igual, sólo que yo fui el que se mudó de país y esta canción me recuerda a esa relación terminada.
Hope you're happy,my ex floated about my pals beds ,still feel I wasted the best 16 years of my life with her, only girl I ever loved, they do say nice guys finish last,yet women go from one guy to another who slap them around, hopefully I'll find someone
***** , Pretty much agree. Breaking Bad might have an edge, just on the over-arcing storyline (Mr. Chips becomes Scarface). Jesse, Mike, Gus, even the bell-ringer - incredible characters. The Shield felt more self-contained and inevitable, tho. I never got into Dexter. I might tho, now, based on your comment. Thanks.
I remember...That love triangle seemed like some goofy, Jerry Springer crap that turned really dark at the end. This song really brought out the tragedy and sadness of the situation. It stayed with me long after the show ended.
So charmingly sad. So soft and so heartbreaking. It makes me comfortably sad, makes me cry but it feels like my soul is surrounded in the softest cotton
There are no words to describe what are the Magnetic Fields ... the thousand sensations that make me try. It's something indescribable, it's like a journey of melancholy happiness
If you can get beyond the hype of what a good song should sound like, this one hits one's heart. I relate this haunting song to the son that I lost. I could never make him stay. I miss him so.
Wendy delorme As a fellow parent, i grieve for you. My shoulder is there for you to cry upon, should you ever feel the need. I wish you and your family well. Stay strong, lovely lady.
its very strange that i see this comment today..because i lost my older brother last year , who was 28 at the time .. And Ive heard this song a thousand times because its one of my favorites , and just while i was listening to it just now i thought for the first time how i could relate it to his death , how nothing i can say or do can bring him back , aka make him stay..and the one time i think of it that way i see your comment..things like that dont happen for no reason..they are not gone
I know there's this modern band that wrote and played this, but in my heart I know this song and it's melody have been sung and played in one fashion or another for over a thousand years, right back to the bardic tradition. It must have given voice to a hundred million broken hearts who didn't know how to express what they felt. If you've never known, a broken heart isn't a phrase. I woke every morning for three years with a clutching pain in my chest. I'd stir clear, fine. Then as the moments progressed it would creep in from the sides. I had an electrocardiogram some time later, the technician/nurse asked me when it was that I had my heart attack. The damage showed. I try not to play songs like this (the other being the original Song to the Siren) because it brings all that emotion right back where I thought it was gone. Damn it.
I love that part! A little cheesy, but that only makes it even more naked and vulnerable... That's my favourite thing about this group's lyrics in general... the perfect combination of poetry, homemade words and pure humour. Just look at "a chicken with its head cut off" and songs like that :D
This song makes me think of you, and I wonder about all those things I wish I said and did differently. Because you are a splendid butterfly, and I could never hold you, only watch you fly away. Sometimes I miss you so much it hurts, but mostly I only wish you happiness.
Thank the gods I searched the google for "desperate things I do" out of nowhere and I've been brought to one of their songs. I've found my new fave band ❤️
This makes me think of my kids' mom. So many regrets. but. maybe months or years from now. I'll read this again, & see things differently. As of now. I relate to this song, 100%
@@sskoog exactly!!! Best show of all time and a the music placement was a huge part of it. I ❤️ The Shield Fans kinda of a "secret" society. Such a masterpiece and the people that have never heard of it or never bothered to watch..... their loss!!! You can't talk about the GOAT of TV shows without It being in the discussion
Be honest, love stirs up more emotion than EVEN death. Love can and has filled my head so completely there was no room for any other thoughts. And I have said all those little words to no avail. Haven't you? Best song ever of broken relationship. The best expression in song of what we have all felt at one time. Brilliant.
If anyone wants to get married to this song, I’m game. I don’t need to know anything about you personally. If you like the Magnetic Fields you’re the stock for me.
My parents still abused each other and I was I. It. I dealt with it and them with understanding…. Down the line I have been victim of abuse which just headfucked me. Stealing my sanity yet empowered my escape. Ten years of it and I am left without memory of anything that I had. And no faith in mankind. Overpowering control used by mental health services destroyed my body and trashed my mind. It’s at these times treasure to find my own nature. Thankyou for the song x
You are a splendid butterfly It is your wings that make you beautiful And I could make you fly away But I could never make you stay You said you were in love with me Both of us know that that's impossible And I could make you rue the day But I could never make you stay Not for all the tea in China Not if I could sing like a bird Not for all North Carolina Not for all my little words Not if I could write for you The sweetest song you ever heard It doesn't matter what I'll do Not for all my little words Now that you've made me want to die You tell me that you're unboyfriendable And I could make you pay and pay But I could never make you stay Not for all the tea in China Not if I could sing like a bird Not for all North Carolina Not for all my little words Not if I could write for you The sweetest song you ever heard It doesn't matter what I'll do Not for all my little words It doesn't matter what I'll do Not for all my little words //////
I've been a fan since 2000 when I discovered 69 Love Songs. I'm so thankful that I did! Stephin Merritt's songs have given me so much pleasure and joy ever since. I've seen the band live three times, my third time as recently as last Thursday in Gothenburg!
Loved this first time I heard it on the shield, didn't know title or band, only googled it in past year with 'song on shield about butterfly'that I got it ,haunting!
I LOVE THIS SONG! One of those songs that you listen to compulsively over and over again about 1,000 times (and then can't listen to it again for about 2 years). :) Great video to accompany!
I sang this to my grandmother on her deathbed. She was like a mother to me, and this song has a special place in my heart as a consequence.
Heard this at the end of one of the episodes of "The Shield" and it immediately grabbed me. I love great songwriters- Waits, Cave, MacGowan. This one is up there with the greats.
You’ll be sorely missed, LD
Whaaat
@@adastra3147 LD Beghtol who provided lead vocals on this track passed away in 2020
@@j.c7719😢
After having an abusive relationship, you think it's impossible to be loved again. After what was a happy little accident over picking up and returning a cute sweater to it's owner months after, I was in the throws of it again. I loved her a lot, but I knew that everything I did for her was extra. With a life hard all on it's own, telling her to close up again, I knew it wouldn't be long till all she would say was "You don't have to do that for me" and I knew it wouldn't matter what I did then. I had to let her go, I think I'm ready to get back into the world, and ready to hear this song without having a hard time.
It shouldn’t feel taxing to love someone
This is a classic song that stopped me in my tracks.
In 2006 my dad was driving me and my brother to school and this played on WMBR 88.1. I think on a Wednesday.
it stopped us all in our tracks. I tried to scribble the words on one of my text books. I covered my text books with paper bags and stuff (everyone did in my high school) and I think I tried to write down the words so I'd remember it.
i remember getting to school and just remember and hearing what it was.
later I was so excited i went home and went on the WMBR archive to find out what it was.
We all got so into the Magnetic Fields because of that. My dad doesn't really like any music i do except the Magnetic Fields and the Cure and stuff.
Yo that's so wholesome
That was really nice to read. Thank you.
Love this story. Nobody writes music like Mag Fields
The first time I heard these guys it was accidental too, they were playing maybe with another name too, but although there were other bands around playing still earlier techno, much fading into else (before everything went into a "new sound discovered" promoted massively with bands of back alley cats meowing/grunging their entitled Whiteness disappointments at slacking it from Seattle) in that late 80's sweet period of Peace, before the Crusades over the Middle East will start for the next decade/s...when I heard the Music these were doing, I realized that was something else of higher value than commercial labels promoters unfaithful waltzes with bands if pop in returns to invested pumping in their money schemes. This was, truly better crafted music as the Indie revolution ever made possible to be proud, not just knowing but enriching your life. After I returned to Boston, I was very relieved to find they finally had recorded some of their songs, so they could be around me wherever I went in the World. Not just a memory or dream of a short period of time
❤😂
One of those life-changing records - Stephen Merritt is one of the great living songwriters.
The narrator may have lost his greatest love, but he gained the greatest love of all: knowing reality. That is why this song is beautiful :-)
The shield brought me here 15 years ago and now I'm back
Me too. I love Shield, best show ever >>GOT, BB
Me too
hell yeah !!!! Lemonhead is the man !!! Fav show ever !
The Canadian show?
What a show!!
This is one of the more tragic songs I've heard. To think, that someone is guaranteed they'll get everything they ever wanted, the way they want it, but it's still somehow not good enough. It reminds me of something Sylvia Plath would feel. Beautifully Heart Breaking.
There aren’t many “Perfect” songs that have ever been written, but this is one them. My goodness.
This is the best song ever written. I thought this 10 years ago when I first heard it, and I think it now.
I can't ever compare The Magnetic Fields to any other band. They are unique and I will always enjoy hearing them.
An excellent song to listen to when you've had too much bottled up for too long and really need to just sit down and have a really good, cleansing cry... :'(
The Shield, Season 1 Episode 8, 'Cupid & Psycho'.. that's where I discovered this song. I've been researching The Shield recently. Amazing show, this song fit the scene perfectly. Glad I now know the name of this song! :)
oh god it's such a perfect song. my eyes are full of tears!
Stephen Merritt is a top notch songwriter.
to my sad girl...may you find the silence you longed for ...r.I.p
Don't know you but lovely comment, first heard this on the shield and instantly loved it, perfect scene for it too, reminds me of my first and only true love, hauntingly beautiful, took me years to find this song, didn't know what it was called, just remembered bit about butterfly, googled it and found it.
♥♥♥
Condolences Boyo
Oh wow I wasn't expecting tears. So sad, thinking of you...
This breaks my fucking heart
My ex used to say all the time, that he would like to be a beautiful butterfly (as a joke). My heart broke when he had to move to another country. I was amazed when I heard this song. It reminds me of us.
Victoria Vigilante pasé por una situación exactamente igual, sólo que yo fui el que se mudó de país y esta canción me recuerda a esa relación terminada.
That's so damn sweet.
Yeah i find it haunting
Hope you're happy,my ex floated about my pals beds ,still feel I wasted the best 16 years of my life with her, only girl I ever loved, they do say nice guys finish last,yet women go from one guy to another who slap them around, hopefully I'll find someone
@@Shug1910 update?
Probably the best use of a song against a closing montage EVER. The Shield was awesome, even the finale.
Pete Bryant Word. Imo, the best series i have ever seen. Even beats dexter, breaking bad and many others. Don't phak with the strike team!
***** , Pretty much agree. Breaking Bad might have an edge, just on the over-arcing storyline (Mr. Chips becomes Scarface). Jesse, Mike, Gus, even the bell-ringer - incredible characters. The Shield felt more self-contained and inevitable, tho. I never got into Dexter. I might tho, now, based on your comment. Thanks.
@@peterb8996 I rated BB. But it has nothing on the shield.
@@mr.ullrich1405 Ever seen the Wire?
I remember...That love triangle seemed like some goofy, Jerry Springer crap that turned really dark at the end. This song really brought out the tragedy and sadness of the situation. It stayed with me long after the show ended.
So charmingly sad. So soft and so heartbreaking. It makes me comfortably sad, makes me cry but it feels like my soul is surrounded in the softest cotton
The Shield brought me here. Great song!!!
Love this song?
Get the album, 69 Love Songs by the Magnetic Fields.
It's Epic.
This album changed my life
There are no words to describe what are the Magnetic Fields ... the thousand sensations that make me try. It's something indescribable, it's like a journey of melancholy happiness
If you can get beyond the hype of what a good song should sound like, this one hits one's heart. I relate this haunting song to the son that I lost. I could never make him stay. I miss him so.
Wendy delorme As a fellow parent, i grieve for you. My shoulder is there for you to cry upon, should you ever feel the need. I wish you and your family well. Stay strong, lovely lady.
its very strange that i see this comment today..because i lost my older brother last year , who was 28 at the time .. And Ive heard this song a thousand times because its one of my favorites , and just while i was listening to it just now i thought for the first time how i could relate it to his death , how nothing i can say or do can bring him back , aka make him stay..and the one time i think of it that way i see your comment..things like that dont happen for no reason..they are not gone
This song. Its so Beautiful.
"Astronomy will have to be revised." Love this beautiful song!
This is definitely one of the most romantic / catathliptic songs I've ever heard. And i feel stupid that in my 18 years i hadn't heard it before
Don't be that hard on yourself. I found this song early this year whilst I am 24.
Don’t believe I’m familiar with the word catathliptic
"Catathliptic" is a very Stephin Merritt like word
Heard this on The Shield. Great song. Really set the mood of the scene. So glad to have discovered TMF.
The ShieId 1X8 finaI
Same here. Absolutely love the song.
Same. Unfortunately I haven't heard it anywhere else. A nice, simple sweet song.
The way they cut to Julien when they sang “You tell me that you’re unboyfriendable” 😢😢😢
Spotify suggested it to me by chance. Never was a suggestion more appreciated. Thank you, Spotify.
REST IN PEACE LD BEGHTOL 😢💙
What happened to him? He was young
The Magnetic Fields, the place the Iron Man could never leave.
I thought that was where he was turned to steel?
It took me so long to get this comment. If i were not having a blue day and continuously revisiting this song i may never have.
I know there's this modern band that wrote and played this, but in my heart I know this song and it's melody have been sung and played in one fashion or another for over a thousand years, right back to the bardic tradition. It must have given voice to a hundred million broken hearts who didn't know how to express what they felt.
If you've never known, a broken heart isn't a phrase. I woke every morning for three years with a clutching pain in my chest. I'd stir clear, fine. Then as the moments progressed it would creep in from the sides. I had an electrocardiogram some time later, the technician/nurse asked me when it was that I had my heart attack. The damage showed.
I try not to play songs like this (the other being the original Song to the Siren) because it brings all that emotion right back where I thought it was gone. Damn it.
Because your heart
...
Beats
im sad to say i just found this band...but im also happy i found them... how lovely.
I love that part! A little cheesy, but that only makes it even more naked and vulnerable... That's my favourite thing about this group's lyrics in general... the perfect combination of poetry, homemade words and pure humour. Just look at "a chicken with its head cut off" and songs like that :D
I love this. My man just left me again. He says its him. I am the one alone.
hey how are you now after 8 years?
I was looking for actual magnetic fields......nice diversion tho...good song
Haha!
Actual?
Lie
@@ONCEuponAtime999all of
This song makes me think of you, and I wonder about all those things I wish I said and did differently. Because you are a splendid butterfly, and I could never hold you, only watch you fly away.
Sometimes I miss you so much it hurts, but mostly I only wish you happiness.
Glad I was introduced to this band.. this song is so beautiful.
this song always succeed to give me a permanent goosebumps
Thank the gods I searched the google for "desperate things I do" out of nowhere and I've been brought to one of their songs. I've found my new fave band ❤️
wye did ye searcheth that lul
i was stoned watching the Shield and i almost flipped out of my chair to go look this song up
Wow, made me lol in a public place. Everyone staring. Greetings from the future.
His best song.
Gets me every time.
This makes me think of my kids' mom.
So many regrets. but. maybe months or years from now. I'll read this again, & see things differently. As of now. I relate to this song, 100%
aw! hope things get better between you two.
The Shield brought me here
Long live Vic Mackey and The Strike Team!! The Sopranos couldn't hold The Shield's Jock!!!! Without a doubt the best TV Show EVER!!
7 years later and Shield brought me here
Same
The Best.
Lemonhead for life.
Huge Shield fan myself. One of the nice side benefit is little musical nuggets like these -- Ryan + Sutter have wonderfully eclectic tastes.
@@sskoog exactly!!! Best show of all time and a the music placement was a huge part of it. I ❤️ The Shield Fans kinda of a "secret" society. Such a masterpiece and the people that have never heard of it or never bothered to watch..... their loss!!! You can't talk about the GOAT of TV shows without It being in the discussion
Brings back memories of the 1st season of the Shield. Absolutely beautiful song.
The bitter sweetest song I ever heard
What sublime and beautiful music... Saludos desde Gran Canaria, España
I actually cannot ever get enough of this song. I will find someone to play it with me.
Did you find that someone?
Did you?
did you find someone?
My favorite song to remind myself of reality
Discovered this song and Stephin Merritt a few months ago. Wow!!!!!!! Who hasn't experienced what Stephin sings? Genius with words and music.
This one goes with me to heaven...
The Shield was one of my all-time favorite shows. I still miss it being on TV. It is hard to believe it ended almost 5 years ago.
15 years ago
@@Ashas.Garden holy hell has it been that long?
@@SneedyKetler crazy hey
The Shield turned me on to this song. Every couple years I listen to it a bunch of times in a row.
Be honest, love stirs up more emotion than EVEN death. Love can and has filled my head so completely there was no room for any other thoughts. And I have said all those little words to no avail. Haven't you? Best song ever of broken relationship. The best expression in song of what we have all felt at one time. Brilliant.
Just about one of the loveliest songs I have ever heard. Perfectly charming!
vic macky and all the love to the world ♥♥♥
The kiss at the end was just beautiful.
Wonderful song, I also recommend the movie:magnetic fields, different, but same name. Dammm good song.
for some reason any magnetic fields, with the most obscure lyrics, can always set me in the right mood
crafted lovingly, yet still is oneof "those rarified moments" kind of songs... beauty in abundance and its true.
If anyone wants to get married to this song, I’m game. I don’t need to know anything about you personally. If you like the Magnetic Fields you’re the stock for me.
I'm bi I don't care, you seem like a cool dude
My parents still abused each other and I was I. It. I dealt with it and them with understanding…. Down the line I have been victim of abuse which just headfucked me. Stealing my sanity yet empowered my escape. Ten years of it and I am left without memory of anything that I had. And no faith in mankind. Overpowering control used by mental health services destroyed my body and trashed my mind. It’s at these times treasure to find my own nature. Thankyou for the song x
what can i say about this brilliant song... I cant handle it..
The best performance I attended. I've attended quite a few. Love their music. Was a sit down gig in the Olympia Dublin.
This song is absolutely beautiful.
Nothing "brought me here" except a genuine interest in music.
+DistortedFaiths Well aren't you special.
I will buy you a taco.
so so pure
Well, that and your internet service provider.
Oh wise one!
You are a splendid butterfly
It is your wings that make you beautiful
And I could make you fly away
But I could never make you stay
You said you were in love with me
Both of us know that that's impossible
And I could make you rue the day
But I could never make you stay
Not for all the tea in China
Not if I could sing like a bird
Not for all North Carolina
Not for all my little words
Not if I could write for you
The sweetest song you ever heard
It doesn't matter what I'll do
Not for all my little words
Now that you've made me want to die
You tell me that you're unboyfriendable
And I could make you pay and pay
But I could never make you stay
Not for all the tea in China
Not if I could sing like a bird
Not for all North Carolina
Not for all my little words
Not if I could write for you
The sweetest song you ever heard
It doesn't matter what I'll do
Not for all my little words
It doesn't matter what I'll do
Not for all my little words
//////
Been looking for this song for years after hearing it on the shield, great to hear it again, find it haunting
@@Shug1910 thats where I heard it too.
@@RiiSchob class song class series
@@stevenorr9639 I'm rewatching it on Hulu as we speak. Still fun to watch.
@@RiiSchob never get tired of watching the shield brother
Some tunes make your spine tingle, this is one of them.
Here frome the TV show The Shield am I the only one?
i couldnt make u stay; not for all the tea in China. love found. love lost. haunting. sad. beautiful
I cry every time
liyk
I just discovered the Magnetic Fields and my god, they're amazing
Welcome to the fold
I've been a fan since 2000 when I discovered 69 Love Songs. I'm so thankful that I did! Stephin Merritt's songs have given me so much pleasure and joy ever since. I've seen the band live three times, my third time as recently as last Thursday in Gothenburg!
Loved this first time I heard it on the shield, didn't know title or band, only googled it in past year with 'song on shield about butterfly'that I got it ,haunting!
This was my top song on Spotify!
Probably one of my favourite songs to feature North Carolina :).
Is it NC's "Country Roads"?
great song xxx
The song was/is perfect.
What a beauty this Song reveals like the opening petals of young bud. Great Song of the bygone era, when Music was a thing to get lost. Ravindra
I love love love this band and I adore this song and this album. Thanks for posting.
"This song right here, i don't wanna brag but I only cried once to it"
"The sweetest song you ever heard..." :)
Genuinely moving. It's hard to write a good love song.
Love this and Stephen Merritt
wow this is beautiful. i consider myself lucky that i found this band.
Someone asked to give her a list of songs about unrequited love and this song is the first one on the list.
What are the other songs of the list?
Lovely song..
That's my lifesong!
Breaks my heart every time I listen to this song, every time...
this song changed my life and this is the first time i've ever heard it.
Brilliant video for an unbelievably great song.
This is a really good song
dude i love when great t.v. shows can follow up with great soundtracks
What a beautiful song.
I LOVE THIS SONG! One of those songs that you listen to compulsively over and over again about 1,000 times (and then can't listen to it again for about 2 years). :)
Great video to accompany!
Lol perfectly explained
Nice choice of clips. They go beautifully with the song.
..Does anyone else cry? I cry when I listen.
Rest in Peace LD Beghtol (1964-2020)
Brilliant song, great emotive video too. Good work, I liked it a lot!
I need to watch The Shield again.