Peter Paul Mary Puff The Magic Dragon Lyrics
If you grew up in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, chances are you've heard the song Puff The Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul, and Mary. It's a timeless classic that continues to enchant children and adults alike. The song's catchy tune and whimsical lyrics have become a part of our collective consciousness, and it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia every time we hear it.
The Story Behind Puff The Magic Dragon
Puff The Magic Dragon was written in 1959 by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow. Lipton was a friend of Yarrow's and wrote the lyrics as a poem while he was studying at Cornell University. Yarrow, who was a member of the musical group Peter, Paul, and Mary, read the poem and immediately saw its potential as a song.
The song tells the story of a friendly dragon named Puff, who lives by the sea. Puff befriends a young boy named Jackie Paper, and together they have many adventures. However, as Jackie grows older, he becomes less interested in spending time with Puff and eventually stops visiting him altogether. This leaves Puff feeling lonely and sad.
The Lyrics Of Puff The Magic Dragon
The lyrics of Puff The Magic Dragon are simple yet poignant. They tell a story that we can all relate to – the passing of time and the loss of childhood innocence. Here are the complete lyrics:
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuffOh
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called HonaleeTogether they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail
Noble kings and princes would bow whenever they came
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name, ohOh
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called HonaleeA dragon lives forever, but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant's rings make way for other toys
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roarHis head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane
Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave
So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave, ohOh
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
The Legacy Of Puff The Magic Dragon
Since its release, Puff The Magic Dragon has become one of the most beloved children's songs of all time. It has been covered by countless artists and has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has also inspired a book, an animated TV special, and even a line of toys.
However, despite its popularity, there has been a longstanding rumor that the song is about drug use. The lyrics, which mention "magic" and "frolicking in the autumn mist," have been interpreted by some as references to smoking marijuana.
However, Peter Yarrow has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the song is simply about childhood innocence and the loss of that innocence as we grow older. He has also pointed out that the song was written in 1959, long before drug use became a prevalent issue.
In Conclusion
Puff The Magic Dragon is a song that has stood the test of time. Its whimsical lyrics and catchy tune continue to capture the hearts of both children and adults. Whether you listen to it for the nostalgia or simply because it's a great song, there's no denying that Puff The Magic Dragon is a true classic.