"Wondering Where the Lions Are" is a song written and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn. It was released in 1979 on his album Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws and became his only Top 40 hit in the United States, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100
. The song was inspired by a dinner conversation about the threat of nuclear war between China and the Soviet Union, which led Cockburn to have a dream about lions at his front door-not in a threatening way. This dream and the relief of waking to find no war had started influenced the song's lyrics and mood
. Lyrically, the song reflects themes of courage, eternity, and a kind of ecstatic spiritual experience, with the repeated motif of "wondering where the lions are" symbolizing a contemplation of fear and peace
. "Wondering Where the Lions Are" has been covered by various artists including Leo Sayer, Jimmy Buffett, and Donavon Frankenreiter, and remains one of Cockburn's most recognized songs
. In summary, "Wondering Where the Lions Are" is a contemplative folk-rock song by Bruce Cockburn that metaphorically explores fear, courage, and spirituality, inspired by Cold War anxieties and personal dreams
