Robertson's work with the Band was instrumental in creating the Americana music genre. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Band, and into Canada's Walk of Fame, with the Band and on his own. He is ranked 59th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists. He wrote "The Weight", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", and "Up on Cripple Creek" with the Band and had solo hits with "Broken Arrow" and "Somewhere Down the Crazy River", and many others. He was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Songwriters.
Robertson collaborated on film and TV soundtracks, usually with director Martin Scorsese, beginning in the rockumentary film The Last Waltz (1978) and continuing through dramatic films including Raging Bull (1980), The King of Comedy (1983), Casino (1995), Gangs of New York (2002), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Silence (2016), The Irishman (2019), and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
Robbie Robertson died in Los Angeles on August 9, 2023, at the age of 80, after a year-long battle with prostate cancer.
Unbound
Robbie Robertson Lyrics
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No one can see
The smoke from the sweet grass
Covers me
I am drawn
I am drawn to her
Like a moth to flame
Unbound
(Unbound)
I am lost
I am lost
Has anybody seen me
I am lost
Oh, nothing is forgotten
Only left behind
Wherever I am
She leads me down
Unbound
No borders
No fences
No walls
No borders
No fences
Unbound
Oh, listen for the night chant
Oh, listen for the night chant
Like a moth to flame
She leads me down
(Unbound)
Unbound
No borders
No fences
Unbound
No borders
No fences
Unbound
Unbound
(Unbound)
(Unbound)
The song Unbound by Robbie Robertson speaks to the idea of a spiritual journey, one where the singer is drawn to a "her" with "eyes of fire" who is able to lead them down a path that is unbound by borders, fences, and walls. The smoke from the sweet grass covers the singer, suggesting a state of heightened awareness or a feeling of being enveloped in something greater than oneself. The repetition of "unbound" in the chorus emphasizes the idea of breaking free from arbitrary limits and restrictions, whether they be physical or psychological. The singer feels lost, but is ultimately comforted by the knowledge that nothing is forgotten, only left behind.
The lyrics draw on many themes common to Native American culture, especially the use of sweet grass in spiritual ceremonies and the idea of a night chant. Robertson himself is part Mohawk, and draws heavily on his heritage in much of his music. The use of the moth in the lyrics is also significant, as it is often seen as a symbol of transformation and vulnerability. Overall, the song creates a dreamlike, almost hypnotic mood that emphasizes the spiritual journey that the singer is undertaking.
Line by Line Meaning
With eyes of fire
Robbie Robertson is trying to convey his passion and intensity through these fiery eyes.
No one can see
He believes that people are so consumed with their own lives, they cannot see beyond the surface of his emotions.
The smoke from the sweet grass
Sweet grass represents a spiritual cleansing ritual, and the smoke is believed to purify the person and environment around them.
Covers me
This suggests a deep connection to spirituality and an escape from the material world.
I am drawn
Robbie is admitting to being compelled by an irresistible force.
I am drawn to her
He implies that there is someone or something that he is attracted to, but it might not be physical.
Like a moth to flame
This analogy highlights his vulnerability and the desire to throw himself into potentially dangerous situations.
She leads me down
This mysterious figure is taking him on a journey, and he trusts and follows her guidance.
Unbound
He feels liberated and free from his mundane life, which he attributes to this spiritual connection.
I am lost
This suggests a vulnerability and detachment from his surroundings.
Has anybody seen me
He is disorientated and unsure if anybody else can see or understand him.
Oh, nothing is forgotten
Memories and experiences are not lost, they are just left behind.
Only left behind
Aspects of life that are not essential to his spirit and growth have been discarded.
Wherever I am
This emphasizes that his spiritual journey is not limited by physical location.
She leads me down
He is still being guided by the same unknown force.
No borders
This line implies a lack of restrictions and limitations.
No fences
There are no physical or psychological barriers hampering his progress.
No walls
As above, this is a metaphor for his life being devoid of restrictions.
Oh, listen for the night chant
Another spiritual reference, where night chant is the traditional music that accompanies the Navajo ceremony of the same name.
Like a moth to flame
The same analogy is used, suggesting that Robbie is being enchanted by some form of spiritual connection.
She leads me down
Robbie is still under the guidance of the same presence.
Unbound
The freedom from shackles and the openness for enlightenment is reiterated.
No borders
The final line again reinforces the same message of freedom and liberation.
No fences
Robbie again uses the same line, which is an affirmation of his spiritual journey and lack of restrictions.
Unbound
The final word of this song reiterates the key message of the lyrics, leaving the listener with the same sense of empowerment and freedom.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Robbie Robertson, Tim Gordine
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind