Puff The Magic Dragon Song Lyrics Peter Paul And Mary
The song "Puff The Magic Dragon" is a beloved classic that has been sung by generations of children and adults alike. It was popularized by the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary in the 1960s, and has since become an enduring favorite. The lyrics of the song are simple yet evocative, telling the story of a magical dragon and his human friend.
The Story Behind The Song
The story behind the song is as enchanting as the song itself. It was written by Leonard Lipton, a student at Cornell University, in 1959. Lipton was inspired by the poem "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" by Ogden Nash, which he had read as a child. The poem tells the story of a cowardly dragon who is teased by the other animals in the house until he saves the day by defeating a pirate.
Lipton was working on a class project when he decided to write his own dragon story. He wrote the lyrics to "Puff The Magic Dragon" and gave them to his friend, Peter Yarrow, who later became a member of Peter, Paul and Mary. Yarrow put the words to music and the trio began performing the song in concert.
The Lyrics Of The Song
The lyrics of "Puff The Magic Dragon" are deceptively simple, but they are packed with meaning and emotion. The song tells the story of a young boy named Jackie Paper who has a magical dragon friend named Puff. Together, they have many adventures and play all sorts of games.
As Jackie grows older, he loses interest in his imaginary friend and stops coming to visit Puff. The dragon is left alone and sad, and the song ends on a bittersweet note as Puff "slips into his cave, never to be seen again."
The Meaning Of The Song
The meaning of "Puff The Magic Dragon" has been debated for years. Some people believe that the song is simply a sweet story about childhood imagination, while others see it as a metaphor for drug use. The line "Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea, and frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee" has been interpreted as a reference to smoking marijuana.
However, the song's writer, Leonard Lipton, has always maintained that the song is simply a children's story and has no drug-related connotations. He has said that the line about Honalee was inspired by a Hawaiian chant, and that the name itself is made up.
The Legacy Of The Song
Regardless of its meaning, "Puff The Magic Dragon" has become a beloved classic that has enchanted generations of listeners. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Today, the song remains as popular as ever, and continues to inspire children and adults alike with its message of friendship, imagination, and the power of love.
Conclusion
"Puff The Magic Dragon" is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of people all over the world. Its simple yet evocative lyrics tell a story of friendship, adventure, and the passing of time. Whether you see it as a children's story or a metaphor for drug use, one thing is certain: the song will continue to inspire and enchant listeners for generations to come.
