Unfaithful Servant

The Band

About Unfaithful Servant

"The Unfaithful Servant" or "Unfaithful Servant" is a song written by Robbie Robertson that was first released by The Band on their 1969 album The Band. It was also released as the B-side of the group's "Rag Mama Rag" single. It has also appeared on several of the Band's live and compilation albums.


Year:
1989
4:15
105 

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The Band

The Band were a Canadian-American roots rock group that originally consisted of Rick Danko (bass guitar, double bass, fiddle, trombone, vocals), Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Garth Hudson (keyboard instruments, saxophones, trumpet), Richard Manuel (piano, drums, baritone saxophone, vocals) and Robbie Robertson (guitar, vocals). The members of the Band first came together as they joined rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins's backing group, The Hawks, one by one between 1958 and 1963. more »

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23 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Unfaithful Servant" is a song composed by the Canadian-American rock group, The Band.
Album Release
The song appeared on The Band's self-titled second album, sometimes called 'The Brown Album,' which was released in 1969.
Song Theme
The song tells a story of a servant who transgresses societal boundaries, resulting in his banishment.
Lead Performer
Rick Danko was the lead vocalist on "Unfaithful Servant," known for his emotive and heartbreaking interpretation of the lyrics.
Composer
Robbie Robertson, the guitarist of The Band, wrote this song along with most of the other songs in the group's catalog.
Harmonica Solo
The song is notable for Garth Hudson's beautiful and poignant harmonica solo, which added to he overall depth and character of the song musicality.
Popularity
While the song wasn’t released as a single, it quickly became a fan favorite due to its lyrical depth.
Genre
"Unfaithful Servant" is in the genres of folk, country, and rock – genres that were intrinsic in molding The Band’s unique sound.
Music Ranking
The song aided the album's rise to #9 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. and #9 on the RPM chart in Canada.
Influence
"Unfaithful Servant" has had considerable influence, being covered by artists such as Rosanne Cash, Gillian Welch, and The New Grass Revival.
Live Performances
This song was performed live many times throughout The Band's career, often with slight variations in lyrics and arrangement. The group's live performance of "Unfaithful Servant" can be found on their live album Rock of Ages, released in 1972.
Musical Roots
"Unfaithful Servant" is a part of the Americanroots rock genre. This style of music includes influences from country, blues, and folk music.
Album Release
The song is from “The Band's” second self-titled studio album, often called ‘The Brown Album’, released in 1969.
Storytelling
The song follows a narrative structure, telling a detailed story within the confines of its verses, which was a distinctive hallmark of "The Band's" songwriting style.
Songwriting
The primary songwriter for "Unfaithful Servant" was Robbie Robertson, guitarist for "The Band."
Interpretation
The lyrics tell the complicated story of a servant who has an affair with his master's wife and the consequences of his actions. The meaning of the lyrics has sparked discussion among fans.
Vocal Contribution
The song's lead vocals were performed by Rick Danko, who was the bassist for "The Band."
Band Members
Other members of "The Band” that played on "Unfaithful Servant" include Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and Levon Helm.
Live Performances
"Unfaithful Servant" was regularly included in setlist during "The Band's" 1969 concert tour and subsequent performances.
Musician Legacy
The song is often mentioned as a highlight of the record and as an example of "The Band's" ability to create vivid, character-driven story songs.
Cover Versions
"Unfaithful Servant" has been covered by various artists like Rosanne Cash, who performed it as a tribute to "The Band’s" Levon Helm following his death in 2012.
Music video
A raw, emotionally charged live version of "The Unfaithful Servant" appears in Martin Scorsese's documentary "The Last Waltz," which chronicled "The Band's" farewell concert in 1976.
Popularity
Thanks to its compelling story and poignant arrangement, fans and critics alike consider "Unfaithful Servant" as one of "The Band’s" most significant works.

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