Elusive Butterfly

Bob Lind

About Elusive Butterfly

"Elusive Butterfly" is a popular song written by Bob Lind, released as a single in December 1965, which reached #5 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the adult contemporary chart in the spring of 1966. In Australia, Lind's "Elusive Butterfly" entered the charts on April 10, 1966 and spent three weeks at #2 during July 1966. In the song the narrator sees himself as a butterfly hunter. He is looking for romance, but he finds it as elusive as a butterfly.


Year:
1993
2:46
40 
#1

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You might wake up some mornin'
To the sound of something moving past your window in the wind
And if you're quick enough to rise
You'll catch a fleeting glimpse of someone's fading shadow
Out on the new horizon
You may see the floating motion of a distant pair of wings
And if the sleep has left your ears
You might hear footsteps running through an open meadow

Don't be concerned, it will not harm you
It's only me pursuing somethin' I'm not sure of
Across my dreams with nets of wonder
I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love

You might have heard my footsteps
Echo softly in the distance through the canyons of your mind
I might have even called your name
As I ran searching after something to believe in
You might have seen me runnin'
Through the long-abandoned ruins of the dreams you left behind
If you remember something there
That glided past you followed close by heavy breathin'

Don't be concerned, it will not harm you
It's only me pursuing somethin' I'm not sure of
Across my dreams with nets of wonder
I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love

Across my dreams with nets of wonder
I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love

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Bob Lind

Bob Lind (born Robert Neale Lind, November 25, 1942, Baltimore, Maryland) is an American folk music singer-songwriter who helped define the 1960s folk rock movement in America and England. Lind is best known for his transatlantic chart hit single, "Elusive Butterfly", which reached #5 on both the US and UK charts in 1966, but continues to write, record and perform throughout America and Europe. more »

1 fan

Written by: Bob Lind

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song creation and release
"Elusive Butterfly" is a well-known song, both written and performed by American folk singer-songwriter Bob Lind. It was first released in 1966, under the World Pacific record label, and eventually became one of the biggest hits of that year.
Chart performance
The song reached number 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the US. It also topped the charts in the United Kingdom and Australia, making it Lind’s only international hit.
Unique Theme
The lyrics use the metaphor of a butterfly for the pursuit of love. This elusive butterfly symbolizes the elusive nature of love that is so often out of people's grasp.
Music Video
The music video of the song shows Lind venturing into the wilderness, through an expansive grassland, to chase a butterfly, beautifully capturing the essence of the song.
Multiple Versions
Over the years, many musicians from various countries have covered "Elusive Butterfly." Some of the popular versions include those by Val Doonican, Cher, Petula Clark, Aretha Franklin, and Glen Campbell.
Song Structure
The song is composed in a conventional verse-chorus format. The lyrics, accompanied by a folk-style mix of guitar, recorder, and strings, paint a vivid picture of the elusive chase of fleeting feelings.
Awards and Recognition
For the song "Elusive Butterfly," Bob Lind earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Folk Recording.
Testimony to Time
Even though it was released over five decades ago, "Elusive Butterfly" continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, a testament to Lind's timeless songwriting.
Inspired Creation
Bob Lind penned "Elusive Butterfly" after a romantic disappointment, using this song as a form of catharsis.
Playing Technique
Lind's unique way of alternate tuning enhances the resonance and harmonic possibilities of the guitar in the song.
Music Industry Influence
In recognition of the song’s lasting impact, Rolling Stone magazine named “Elusive Butterfly” one of the top 500 pop songs of all time in 2011.
Live Performances
Despite retiring from the music industry in 1971, Lind has occasionally performed "Elusive Butterfly" live, even into the 21st century.

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    Elusive Butterfly

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #5


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