With the release of “Glück ist wie ein Schmetterling” Linda Feller pays tribute to two of her idols.
First of all, the original interpreter and writer of the song, Dolly Parton. In the original it is entitled “Love is Like a Butterfly”. Dolly Parton, when she was young, was inspired by a conversation with her mother. Her mother told her that if she held a butterfly in her hands, she could hurt it, and it would no longer be beautiful. However, if she let it fly free, she could enjoy its beauty and admire it. Parton found this metaphor very compelling and decided to apply it to love.
At the time of the release of “Love is Like a Butterfly”, Dolly Parton’s solo career was also on a high. The single became her third of four consecutive country chart toppers. Her previous album, “Jolene,” produced the first two number one hits, “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Beginning in 1976, she used this song as the theme song for her short-lived variety series “Dolly!” The butterfly remained an important symbol for the singer, who included it as a “W” in the sign of her theme park, Dollywood.
Cover versions of “Love is Like a Butterfly”
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Olivia Newton-John, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn. Each artist gives the song their own interpretation, but the timeless message remains the same. British singer Clare Torry recorded it as the theme song for the BBC sitcom “Butterflies,” which ran from 1978 to 1983. The German version, “Glück ist wie ein Schmetterling,” appeared in 1978 sung by Linda Feller’s second idol, Nana Mouskouri.
In February 1978, “Glück ist wie ein Schmetterling” entered the German charts at number 31 and stayed on the charts for five weeks.
Linda Feller’s version of “Glück ist wie ein Schmetterling” was produced by Christoph Leis-Bendorff. Linda Feller manages to transport the metaphor in the song with her unique voice – comparing the nature of love with that of a butterfly. Love, like a butterfly, is fragile and must be treated with care. It must be appreciated and allowed to fly freely so that it can blossom.