Paper in Fire
John Mellencamp
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
She had a dream And boy it was a good one So she chased after her dream With much desire But when she get too close To her expectations Well the dream burned up Like paper in fire Paper in fire Stinking up the ashtrays Paper in fire Smoking up the alleyways Who's to say the way A man should spend his days Do you let them smolder Like paper in fire He wanted love With no involvement So he chased the wind That's all his silly life required And the days of vanity Went on forever And he saw his days burn up Like paper in fire Paper in fire Stinking up the ashtrays Paper in fire Smoking up the alleyways Who's to say the way A man should spend his days Do you let them smolder Like paper in fire There's a good life Right across the green fields And each generation Stares at it from afar But we keep no check On our appetites So the green fields turn to brown Like paper in fire Paper in fire Stinking up the ashtrays Paper in fire Smoking up the alleyways Who's to say the way A man should spend his days Do you let them smolder Like paper in fire
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: John Mellencamp
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Inspiration"Paper in Fire" was written and sung by John Mellencamp. The song is a reflection of his frustration towards people who waste their lives chasing materialistic values instead, of focusing on what truly matters. While he wrote it, John Mellencamp was going through a divorce and thus the song acts as a condemnation of a life consumed by monetary desires.
|
Album ReleaseThe song was released in 1987 as part of Mellencamp's ninth studio album, "The Lonesome Jubilee." This album marked a departure from his earlier 'heartland rock' music style, incorporating more of folk and country influences, which can be heard in "Paper in Fire."
|
Chart Performance"Paper in Fire" was a commercial success. It ascended rapidly to No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart, and it peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Mellencamp's top ten hits.
|
Song InterpretationThe lyrics, "Paper in fire, Stinking up the ashtrays," suggest the inevitable outcome of the pursuit of wealth and ambition: all will eventually go up in smoke, just like paper in fire, leaving nothing but ashes. It has been interpreted as a criticism of the ephemeral nature of materialistic success.
|
Critical ResponseCritics responded positively to the song's blend of folk, country, and rock elements. The song's blend of various musical genres helped solidify Mellencamp as one of America's premier songwriters.
|
Cultural Impact"Paper in Fire" is now recognized as one of John Mellencamp's most iconic songs, and it continues to be featured in setlists of his live performances. Additionally, the song has also been covered by multiple artists and featured in many popular television series and movies, proving its lasting appeal.
|
Music VideoJohn Mellencamp's music video for "Paper in Fire" played extensively on MTV and other music video channels upon its release, helping to further propel the song's popularity.
|
Awards and RecognitionAlthough the song did not win any major awards, its commercial success and significant airplay helped Mellencamp earn the honor of being named by Billboard magazine as the most played artist on U.S. radio in 1988.
|
Band- Line UpBesides Mellencamp, who sings lead vocals and plays guitar, the song features Lisa Germano on fiddle, Mimi Mapes on backing vocals, and Mike Wanchic on dobro. Their contributions significantly added to the song's unique sound.
|
LegacyMore than three decades after its release, "Paper in Fire" continues to resonate with listeners, conveying a timeless message about the pitfalls of materialism, making it an enduring classic in Mellencamp's catalog.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Paper in Fire Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7729693/John+Mellencamp/Paper+in+Fire>.
Discuss the Paper in Fire Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In