Undun

The Guess Who

About Undun

"Undun" is a popular song by Canadian rock band The Guess Who. It spent two weeks at #21 on the Canadian Singles Chart in November–December 1969 and reached #15 on the U. S. adult contemporary chart and #22 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Randy Bachman after hearing Bob Dylan's "Ballad in Plain D", which included the phrase "she was easily undone". Bachman's song tells the story of a girl he had seen at a party who, after dropping acid, slipped into a coma. The song takes its structure from new jazz guitar chords Bachman had learned from his friend and neighbour Lenny Breau. During the Guess Who's 2000 reunion tour, Running Back Thru Canada, Bachman's former bandmate Burton Cummings declared the song to be one of Bachman's finest compositions and "one of the best songs ever written by any Canadian songwriter". Bachman himself has stated that "Undun" is his favourite song from his time as a member of The Guess Who. The original 4:17 version of "Undun", complete with a country guitar section at the end, appeared on The Guess Who's 1969 album, Canned Wheat, and an edit was initially released as the B-side of the single "Laughing" which peaked on August 23, 1969. The song gained in popularity when disc jockeys started turning the "Laughing" record over. 


Year:
1999
3:25
65 
#1

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She's come undun
She didn't know what she was headed for
And when I found what she was headed for
It was too late

She's come undun
She found a mountain that was far too high
And when she found out she couldn't fly
It was too late

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun

She's come undun
She wanted truth but all she got was lies
Came the time to realize
And it was too late

She's come undun
She didn't know what she was headed for
And when I found what she was headed for
Mama, it was too late

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun
She's come undun

Too many mountains, and not enough stairs to climb
Too many churches and not enough truth
Too many people and not enough eyes to see
Too many lives to lead and not enough time

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun

She's come undun

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun

She's come undun
She didn't know what she was headed for
And when I found what she was headed for
It was too late

She's come undun
She found a mountain that was far too high
And when she found out she couldn't fly
Mama, it was too late

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun

She's come undun
No, no, no, no, no, no, no

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The Guess Who

The Guess Who are a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Initially gaining recognition in Canada, they also found international success from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s with numerous hit singles, including "American Woman", "These Eyes" and "Share the Land". Several former members of The Guess Who, notably Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman (of Bachman–Turner Overdrive), have also found considerable success outside the band. more »

4 fans

Written by: Randy Bachman

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


19 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Undun" is a song performed by The Guess Who, a Canadian rock band. - Burton Cummings is the lead vocalist and keyboardist for The Guess Who, and he played a significant role in the composition of "Undun."
Song Composition
Although "Undun" was composed with a jazz-flavored chord sequence and a flute solo, it is characterized as a psychedelic pop song. - The song was composed by Randy Bachman, who was a member of The Guess Who.
Release Details
"Undun" was released in October 1969 as the B-side to the single "Laughing," another big hit of The Guess Who. - Despite being a B-side, the song gained enormous popularity and became a chart-topping hit.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 21 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. - Though the song wasn't intended as the main single, its success surpassed expectations.
Music Style
The Guess Who's music frequently includes elements of blues, psychedelic rock, and other popular music styles of the 1960s and 1970s, which can also be heard in "Undun." - Burton Cummings' distinctive voice and energetic performance style greatly contributed to the song's acclaim and success.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics of "Undun" tell a story of a man who falls into trouble and is metaphorically 'undone' by his choices. - The song's theme reflects the common narrative thread of many songs from The Guess Who, which delve into the complexities of life and consequences of our decisions.
Later Performances
Cummings continues to perform "Undun" in his solo performances. - Despite the departure of Randy Bachman from the band, "Undun" remained a staple in The Guess Who's live performances.
Song Fact
"Undun" was released by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who in 1969.
Artist Fact
Burton Cummings, the lead vocalist of The Guess Who, is the primary vocalist for the song "Undun."
Album Fact
The song is featured on the band's sixth studio album "Canned Wheat."
Chart Success
"Undun" reached the Top 40 on the Canadian RPM Magazine charts.
Unique Song Structure
Unlike many pop songs, "Undun" starts with a fade-in instead of a fade-out, a unique aspect of its composition.
Genre Mix
The song fuses rock music with a jazzy feel, demonstrating a unique blend of genres.
Instrumental Highlight
The song features a famous flute solo, performed by band member Randy Bachman.
Post Guess Who Success
After The Guess Who disbanded in 1975, Burton Cummings continued to have a successful career as a solo artist.
Concept Behind Song
The song is about a girl who's become "undun" - a mental state of confusion and degradation due to consistent use of LSD.
Songwriting Credit
This hit was written by Randy Bachman, a member of the band who later formed another popular Canadian group, Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
Misinterpretation
Some listeners mistook the unusual term "undun" to mean "undone", however, the term is in fact a made-up word by the band.
B-side Success
Interestingly, "Undun" was originally released as a B-side to the single "Laughing", which reached number 1 in Canada. It eventually gained popularity and became a standalone hit.

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    Undun

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #22


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