Wondering Where the Lions Are

Bruce Cockburn

About Wondering Where the Lions Are

"Wondering Where the Lions Are" is a song by Bruce Cockburn, from his 1979 album Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws. It was Cockburn's only Top 40 hit in the United States, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. While also a Top 40 hit in Cockburn's native Canada, it was not his biggest hit in that country, where seven of his subsequent singles reached higher chart positions. It was, however, named the 29th greatest Canadian song of all time in the 2005 CBC Radio series 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version.  


Year:
1987
3:43
86 

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Bruce Cockburn

Bruce Douglas Cockburn OC ( /ˈkoʊbərn/ KOH-bərn; born May 27, 1945) is a Canadian folk/rock guitarist and singer-songwriter. His most recent album was released in March 2011. He has written songs in styles ranging from folk to jazz-influenced rock to rock and roll. more »

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14 facts about this song

Release Information
"Wondering Where the Lions Are" was released as a single from Bruce Cockburn's album titled "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws" in 1979.
Chart Performance
The song had immense success, reaching the top 21 on the BillBoard Hot 100 in the United States, making it Cockburn's only song to make the list.
Genre Classification
The song is typically categorized under the genres of folk and rock.
Music Video
In the music video, Cockburn is seen performing the song with his 12-string guitar.
Connection to Other Artists
The song was covered by other notable artists including Jimmy Buffett and Donovan.
Live Performances
Cockburn's performance of the song on the television show "Saturday Night Live" in 1980, helped to further grow the song's popularity.
Social Relevance
The song is described as a "gentle, chiming anthem of fear, hope, and impending ecological disaster" in the context of the turbulent period during the late 1970s.
Song Inspiration
Bruce has mentioned interviews that the song was inspired by a dream he had.
Global Recognition
This song is arguably Cockburn’s best-known song in America according to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Connection to Literature
The song got its name from a line in an essay written by American poet, Shelley.
Creative Writing Process
Bruce has shared in interviews that the song was a result of "stream of consciousness" writing.
Song Structure
Notably, the song does not have a traditional chorus. Instead, it hinges on a catchy, repeatable refrain.
Song Composition
The song is paired down to simple guitar and vocal arrangement showcasing Cockburn's intricate guitar work and expressive song lyrics.
Cultural Impact
The song, with lines referring to nuclear disasters, struck a chord with audiences at the time due to the heightened fear of nuclear war during the late '70s and early '80s.

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    Wondering Where the Lions Are

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1980

    Billboard #21


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