About the song
“Puff, the Magic Dragon” is a beloved song that first captured the hearts of many when it was released by the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary in January 1963. The song was created from a poem written by Leonard Lipton in 1959, which Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary discovered and adapted into lyrics. The enchanting tale of Puff, a gentle dragon, and his young friend Jackie Paper became a timeless classic.
The song tells the story of Puff, a magical dragon who lives in a fantastical land called Honah Lee, “by the sea.” Puff enjoys imaginative adventures with his friend Jackie Paper. However, as Jackie grows up, he moves away from these childhood fantasies, leaving Puff feeling lonely and abandoned. This poignant story resonates with many, reflecting the bittersweet experience of growing up and the loss of innocence that comes with it.
Leonard Lipton, a Cornell University student at the time, was inspired by an Ogden Nash poem and wrote his own verses about the dragon. When Yarrow discovered Lipton’s poem, he saw its potential and wrote the lyrics for the song. After the song became popular, Yarrow made sure Lipton received credit and royalties, acknowledging the original creator’s contribution.
Despite rumors suggesting that the song might have hidden references to drug use, both Yarrow and Lipton have consistently denied these claims. They have emphasized that “Puff, the Magic Dragon” is simply about the transition from childhood to adulthood and the end of innocent play.
The song’s reception was overwhelmingly positive. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and topped the Adult Contemporary charts, making it one of the standout hits of the early 1960s. In Canada, it also enjoyed significant success, reaching number five.
“Puff, the Magic Dragon” remains a cherished piece of musical history, beloved for its enchanting melody and heartfelt message about the joys and sorrows of growing up.
Video
Lyrics
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
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 Honah Lee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist, in a land called Honah Lee
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 whenever they came
Pirate ships would lower their flags 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 Honah Lee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist, in a land called Honah Lee
A dragon lives forever, but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant’s rings make way for other toys
One gray 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 lifelong 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 Honah Lee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist, in a land called Honah Lee