About The Song
“Puff, the Magic Dragon” is a classic folk song popularized in the 1960s by American folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary. The song was written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary from a poem by Leonard Lipton. The song was first recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary in 1962 and released in January 1963. It became an instant hit, with its catchy tune and relatable lyrics resonating with children and adults alike.
The song tells the story of a magical dragon named Puff who lives by the sea and frolics in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee. Little Jackie Paper loves the rascal Puff. The meaning of the song is rooted in childhood innocence and imagination, as suggested in the lyrics “we did like Billy the Kid” and “we did like Johnny Appleseed” (Appleseed being known for planting trees in the United States).
Video
Lyrics
Puff, the magic dragon
Lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
In a land called Honalee
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 Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon
Lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
In a land called Honalee
Together they would travel
On a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a look-out
Perched on Puff’s gigantic tail
Noble kings and princes
Would bow whene’er 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 Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon
Lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
In a land called Honalee
A dragon lives forever
But not so, little boys
Painted wings and giants’ 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 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 Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon
Lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
In a land called Honalee