I captured a butterfly in a jar br I danced around in the grass for hours br Chasing it down stumbling falling laughing br Making the chase the most rewarding br br I captured a butterfly in a jar br There it was for me to hold and keep forever br Anytime I wanted to relish in the joy of life br There it was for me to look upon br br I captured a butterfly in a jar br Time eroded on and all things change br The butterfly became just another bug br Trapped in a glass cage br br I captured a butterfly in a jar br And saw how sad it truly was br A prisoner and I the jailer br I had to let it go br br I captured a butterfly in a jar br I opened that lid and allowed it to go br And it flew away far from me br It left me yearning for that summer day br br I captured a butterfly in a jar br But maybe it captured me br Because ever since that butterfly flew away br I have never again felt freebr br Joe Rivasbr br