Puff, The Magic Dragon

Peter, Paul and Mary

About Puff, The Magic Dragon

"Puff, the Magic Dragon" (or "Puff") is a song written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow, and made popular by Yarrow's group Peter, Paul and Mary in a 1962 recording released in January 1963. Lipton wrote a poem in 1959; Yarrow found it and wrote the lyrics based on the poem. After the song was released, Yarrow searched for Lipton and gave him half-credit for the song.


Year:
1986
5:46
49,061 
#24

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Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee
Little Jackie paper loved that rascal puff
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff oh

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee

Together 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 whene'er they came
Pirate ships would lower their flag when puff roared out his name oh

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant 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 roar

His 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 oh

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honahlee

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Peter, Paul and Mary

Peter, Paul and Mary were a US folk-singing trio whose nearly 50-year career began with their rise to become a paradigm for 1960s folk music. The trio was composed of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. After the death of Mary Travers in 2009, Yarrow and Stookey continued to perform as a duo under their individual names. more »

13 fans

Written by: Leonard Lipton, Peter Yarrow

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Origin
"Puff, The Magic Dragon" was first made popular by the folk group 'Peter, Paul and Mary' in 1963.
Songwriters
The song was written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow.
Inspiration
Leonard Lipton was inspired to write the song after reading a poem by Ogden Nash called "Custard the Dragon."
Misinterpretation
The song has often been speculated to have hidden references to drugs, especially marijuana, due to the words 'puff' and 'dragon'. However, the authors have consistently refuted these claims, stating that it is merely a song about the loss of innocence and the sadness of growing up.
Childhood Friendship
The song actually was about a 3-year-old boy named Jackie Paper who befriended a magical dragon named Puff; their adventures took place in a land called Honah Lee.
Song Length
The song is approximately 3 minutes and 26 seconds long.
Popularity
The song became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Book Adaptation
A children's book adaptation of the song, illustrated by Eric Puybaret, was published in 2007.
TV Adaptation
A 1978 animated television special based on the song was produced by Fred Wolf Films.
Cover Versions
There have been numerous cover versions of this song. Some of the artists who have covered it include John Denver, Dolly Parton, and The Seekers.
Recognition
The song has been referenced in numerous films, shows, and pop culture events due to its enduring appeal to both children and adults.
Live Performances
Peter, Paul and Mary included "Puff, The Magic Dragon" as a regular part of their live performances. After Mary Travers' death in 2009, Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey continued to perform the song as a tribute to her.

Discuss the Puff, The Magic Dragon Lyrics with the community:

1 Comment
  • Lemuel
    I want what they were smoking
    LikeReply1 year ago

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"Puff, The Magic Dragon Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 3 Dec. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/13923920/Peter%2C+Paul+and+Mary/Puff%2C+The+Magic+Dragon>.

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