Elusive Butterfly

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"Elusive Butterfly" is a popular song by Bob Lind released in 1966 and also recorded and released in 1966 in the UK by Val Doonican.

In America the song was originally the B-side of 23-year-old Bob Lind's recording debut. The A-side was "Cheryl's Goin' Home," but this was flipped by a DJ on Florida radio station WQAM and this kickstarted the song's success.

Irish singer Val Doonican covered the song at the same time in the UK with his version reaching Number 5 and thus preventing the original from charting higher.

The prominent string arrangement is 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.

Lind’s solo career lost impetus after "Elusive Butterfly" and problems with drugs and alcohol only made matters worse. Lind continues performing and touring, however, and over 200 artists have covered his songs.

Bob Lind's debut album "Don't Be Concerned" borrowed its title from a line in this song: "Don't be concerned, it will not harm you." In the song the narrator sees himself as a butterfly hunter. He is looking for romance, but he finds it as elusive as butterflies.