Elusive Butterfly
| "Elusive Butterfly" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Bob Lind | ||||
| A-side | "Cheryl's Goin' Home" | |||
| Released | 1966 | |||
| Genre | Singer/Songwriter | |||
| Length | 2:51 | |||
| Label | World Pacific | |||
| Writer(s) | Bob Lind | |||
| Bob Lind singles chronology | ||||
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"Elusive Butterfly" is a popular song written by Bob Lind released in 1966,[1] which reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also recorded and released in 1966 in the UK by the Irish singer Val Doonican. The Doonican and Lind versions both charted in the UK and both (first Doonican's version, then Lind's) peaked at #5 in the UK charts in March/April 1966; it is possible the Lind version might have proved a bigger UK hit, had the rival Doonican version not been recorded and released. In Australia Lind's "Elusive Butterfly" spent three weeks at #2.
In America, the song was originally the B-side of 23-year-old Bob Lind's recording debut "Cheryl's Goin' Home," but this was flipped by a DJ on Florida radio station WQAM and this kickstarted the success of "Elusive Butterfly." "Cheryl's Goin' Home" was subsequently a minor British hit for UK pop singer Adam Faith in October 1966.[2]
The prominent string arrangement on Lind's "Elusive Butterfly" was by legendary Jack Nitzsche, known for his work with The Rolling Stones. With this song, Bob Lind gave World Pacific Records its one and only big hit. Bob Lind's debut album, "Don't Be Concerned," borrowed its title from a line in the song – "Don't be concerned, it will not harm you."
Lind’s solo career lost impetus after "Elusive Butterfly" and problems with drugs and alcohol made matters worse. Lind continues performing and touring, however, and over 200 artists have covered his songs.
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.
In 1966, Jane Morgan covered the song for the easy listening market. Her single version reached No. 9 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, her biggest hit on the listings. It was also featured on her 1966 album Fresh Flavor.
Petula Clark covered the song for her 1966 album I Couldn't Live Without Your Love and Aretha Franklin for her 1969 album "Soul '69." It has also been covered by many other artists including The Four Tops, Dolly Parton and Cher. Gary Lewis and the Playboys released a version in 1968 on their album, "Gary Lewis Now!"
Florence Henderson performed the song on the first season of The Muppet Show.
References
- ↑ Gilliland, John (1969). "Show 40 – Ballad in Plain D: Bob Dylan. [1966] : UNT Digital Library" (audio). Pop Chronicles. Digital.library.unt.edu. Retrieved 2011-04-29.
- ↑ Elusive Butterfly Songfacts Retrieved 09-21-11