Pretty Paper

Roy Orbison

About Pretty Paper

"Pretty Paper" is a song written by country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson in 1963. After being signed to Monument Records, Nelson played the song for producer Fred Foster. Foster pitched the song to Roy Orbison, who turned it into a hit. Nelson recorded his own version of the song in November 1964.


Year:
1997
2:47
90 
#1

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(The pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue)

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write "I love you"
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue

Crowded street, busy feet hustle by him
Downtown shoppers, Christmas is nigh
There he sits all alone on the sidewalk
Hoping that you won't pass him by

Should you stop, better not, much too busy
You're in a hurry, my how time does fly
In the distance the ringing of laughter
And in the midst of the laughter he cries

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write "I love you"
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue

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Roy Orbison

Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988), also known by the nickname 'The Big O', was an American singer-songwriter, best known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Orbison grew up in Texas and began singing in a rockabilly/country and western band in high school until he was signed by Sun Records in Memphis. His greatest success came with Monument Records between 1960 and 1964, when 22 of his songs placed on the Billboard Top Forty, including "Only the Lonely", "Crying", and "Oh, Pretty Woman". His career stagnated through the 1970s, but several covers of his songs and the use of "In Dreams" in David Lynch's Blue Velvet revived his career in the 1980s. In 1988, he joined the supergroup Traveling… more »

6 fans

Written by: Willie Nelson

Lyrics © Roy Orbison Music Company , Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Pretty Paper" is performed by Roy Orbison and Willie Nelson, two notable figures in the music industry. Orbison, known for his emotive voice, found success in the early pop and rock music scenes, while Nelson is a renowned country music artist.
Song Origin
"Pretty Paper" was written by Willie Nelson in 1963. The song was first recorded and released by Roy Orbison the same year.
Inspiration Behind the Song
"Pretty Paper" is based on a real-life street vendor Nelson encountered in Fort Worth, Texas. The vendor, who had no legs and moved on a rolling board, sold stationary and pencils.
Song Theme
"Pretty Paper" deals with themes of loneliness and isolation, particularly around the holiday season, as it describes the ignored disabled vendor amidst the Christmas shoppers.
Chart Performance
In 1963, Roy Orbison's version of "Pretty Paper" peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also reached the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart.
Willie Nelson's Version
Nelson recorded his own version of the song in 1964, and it has since become a classic in the country music genre. It's frequently included in holiday music programming and has been covered by multiple other artists.
Album Title
In 1979, Willie Nelson released a Christmas album titled "Pretty Paper", with the song as the title track.
Performance Style
Roy Orbison's version of "Pretty Paper" features his distinctive, impassioned vocal style, while Nelson's version is performed in his classic laid-back, country manner.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "Pretty Paper", including Glen Campbell, Chris Isaak, Randy Travis, and Kenny Chesney, which attests to the song's enduring popularity.
Song Legacy
"Pretty Paper" remains one of the most recognized holiday songs in the United States, more than 50 years after its initial release. The story and melancholic theme still resonate, reminding listeners of the less fortunate during the holiday season.

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    Pretty Paper

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1964

    Billboard #15


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