Paper Doll

The Mills Brothers

About Paper Doll

"Paper Doll" was a hit song for The Mills Brothers. In the United States it held the number-one position on the Billboard singles chart for twelve weeks, from November 6, 1943, to January 22, 1944. The success of the song represented something of a revival for the group, after a few years of declining sales. It is one of the fewer than forty all-time singles to have sold 10 million (or more) physical copies worldwide. Harry Mills recalled that he and his brother Herbert did not initially like the song, although their brother Donald did. However, Harry said, "as we went along rehearsing it, we got to feeling it". The song has been named one of the Songs of the Century and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Many artists have recorded it, including Bing Crosby for his album Songs I Wish I Had Sung the First Time Around (1956), Frank Sinatra for the album Come Swing with Me! (1961) and Pat Boone for his album I'll See You in My Dreams (1962). In 1975 British comedians "Don Estelle" and "Windsor Davies" released a comedic version of the song. Davies and Estelle were actors in the successful sitcom "It Ain't Half Hot Mum". It reached number 41 in the UK Singles Chart in 1975. Much like their earlier cover of "Whispering Grass" the record was sung in character. It has appeared in various films and in the British television miniseries The Singing Detective. Four lines of it are sung by Rodolfo in the first act of Arthur Miller's play A View from the Bridge. It is also referenced in stage directions of the third scene of Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire. 


Year:
1995
2:37
54 
#2

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I'm gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own
A doll that other fellows cannot steal
And then the flirty, flirty guys with their flirty, flirty eyes
Will have to flirt with dollies that are real

When I come home at night she will be waiting
She'll be the truest doll in all this world
I'd rather have a paper doll to call my own
Than have a fickle minded real live girl

I guess I had a million dolls or more
I guess I've played the doll game o'er and o'er
I just quarreled with sue, that's why I'm blue
She's gone away and left me just like all dolls do

I'll tell you boys, it's tough to be alone
And it's tough to love a doll that's not your own
I'm through with all of them
I'll never fall again
Say boy, whatcha gonna do

I'm gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own
A doll that other fellows cannot steal
And then the flirty, flirty guys with their flirty, flirty eyes
Will have to flirt with dollies that are real

When I come home at night she will be waiting
She'll be the truest doll in all this world
I'd rather have a paper doll to call my own
Than have a fickle minded real live girl

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The Mills Brothers

The Mills Brothers, sometimes billed the Four Mills Brothers, and originally known as the Four Kings of Harmony, were an African-American jazz and pop vocal quartet who made more than 2,000 recordings that sold more than 50 million copies and garnered at least three dozen gold records. The Mills Brothers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. more »

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Written by: JOHNNY S BLACK

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Release Facts
"Paper Doll" is a popular song recorded by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and the Mills Brothers. The three master artists came together to give their unique rendition of the song. - Originally, The Mills Brothers released the song as a big hit in the 1940s.
Chart Performance
The song sold over six million copies and spent 12 weeks at the top position on the Billboard charts for The Mills Brothers. The song's huge success was eventually shared by both Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra after their distinct versions.
Composer Facts
The song was written by Johnny S. Black in 1915, showcasing his talent and skill in songwriting.
Lyrics and Theme
The song's lyrics lament the singer's disappointment with his "paper doll" who broke his heart. The narrator declares that he'd rather buy a paper doll to call his own than risk another heartbreak.
Historical Significance
The song was notably one of the earliest popular songs to reference the product of a "paper doll", making it a significant cultural reference safe into the 1950s era.
Other Versions
Other artists who have recorded versions of "Paper Doll" include Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Dean Martin amongst others, testifying to the song's timeless appeal.
Use in Pop Culture
"Paper Doll" has been featured in various films and television shows, further cementing its place in pop culture.
Impact on Artists' Careers
For The Mills Brothers, the song established them as one of the premier vocal groups of the time, and it continued to be a signature song throughout their long career. For Sinatra and Crosby, it added yet another memorable song to their beloved and vast repertoire.
Musical Style and Genre
"Paper Doll" is a pop standard tune with elements of jazz, highlighting the distinctive vocal stylings of Crosby, Sinatra, and the Mills Brothers.

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