Karen Carpenter's calm, often somber voice was the most distinctive element of their music, settling in perfectly amidst the precise, lush arrangements provided by her brother Richard. The duo's sound drew more from pre-rock pop than rock & roll, but that didn't prevent the Carpenters from appealing to a variety of audiences, particularly Top 40, easy listening, and adult contemporary. While their popularity declined during the latter half of the '70s, they remained one of the most distinctive and recognizable acts the decade produced.
The Carpenters formed in the late '60s in Downey, CA, after their family moved from their native New Haven, CT. Richard had played piano with a cocktail jazz trio in a handful of local Connecticut nightclubs. Once the family had moved to California, he began to study piano while he supported Karen in a trio that featured Wes Jacobs (tuba/bass). With Jacobs and Richard forming her backup band, Karen was signed to the local Californian record label Magic Lamp, who released two unsuccessful singles by the singer. The trio won a Battle of the Bands contest at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966, which led to a record contract with RCA. Signing under the name The Richard Carpenter Trio, the group cut four songs that were never released. Jacobs left the band at the beginning of 1968.
Following Jacobs' departure, the siblings formed Spectrum with Richard's college friend John Bettis. Spectrum fell apart by the end of the year, but the Carpenters continued performing as a duo. The pair recorded some demos at the house of Los Angeles session musician Joe Osborn; the tape was directed toward Herb Alpert, the head of A&M Records, who signed the duo to his record label in early 1969.
Offering, the Carpenters' first album, was released in November 1969. Neither Offering or the accompanying single, a cover of the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," made a big impression. However, the Carpenters' fortunes changed with their second single, a version of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "(They Long to Be) Close to You." Taken from the album Close to You, the single became the group's first number one, spending four weeks on the top of the U.S. charts. "Close to You" became an international hit, beginning a five-year period where the duo was one of the most popular recording acts in the world. During that period the Carpenters won two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist of 1970, and had an impressive string of Top Ten hits, including "Rainy Days and Mondays," "Superstar," "Hurting Each Other," "Goodbye to Love," "Yesterday Once More," and "Top of the World."
After 1975's number-four hit "Only Yesterday," the group's popularity began to decline. For the latter half of the '70s, the duo were plagued by personal problems. Richard had become addicted to prescription drugs; in 1978, he entered a recovery clinic, kicking his habit. Karen, meanwhile, became afflicted with anorexia nervosa, a disease she suffered from for the rest of her life. On top of their health problems, the group's singles had stopped reaching the Top Ten and by 1978, they weren't even reaching the Top 40. Consequently, Karen decided to pursue a solo career, recording a solo album in 1979 with Phil Ramone. The record was not completed at that time (though it would be released in 1996), and she returned to the Carpenters later that year. The reunited duo released their last album of new material, Made in America, in 1981. The album marked a commercial comeback, as "Touch Me When We're Dancing" made it to number 16 on the charts. However, Karen's health continued to decline, forcing the duo out of the spotlight. On February 4, 1983, Karen was found unconscious at her parents' home in Downey; she died in the hospital shortly after due to cardiac arrest, which was later due to the strain on her heart caused by years of crash dieting caused by anorexia nervosa.
After Karen's death, Richard Carpenter concentrated on production work and assembling various compilations of the Carpenters' recorded work. In 1987, he released a solo album called Time, which featured guest appearances by Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
from http://music.msn.com/artist/?artist=1607403&contenttype=artistsongs
Puff the Magic Dragon
Carpenters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And frolicked in the autumn mist
in a land called Honnah 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
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
in a land called Honnah 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 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 Honnah Lee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
in a land called Honnah Lee
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant 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 life-long 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 Honnah Lee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
in a land called Honnah Lee
"Puff the Magic Dragon" is a whimsical and beautifully melancholic song that tells the story of a friendly dragon named Puff who befriended a little boy named Jackie Paper. Puff lived by the sea in a place called Honnah Lee, and he and Jackie Paper would play together, traveling on a boat with billowed sails, perched on Puff's gigantic tail. Jackie brought Puff strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff, and they would frolic in the autumn mist, making noble kings and princes bow when they came and pirate ships lower their flags when Puff roared out his name.
But as the song progresses, we see that Jackie has grown up and left Puff behind, and Puff can no longer be brave without him. Puff becomes sad and lost, and his green scales fall like rain as he slips into his sad and lonely cave. This poignant ending makes the song not just whimsical but also poignant and heartbreaking, and it teaches listeners that growing up often means leaving things behind that we once loved, whether they be friends or childhood toys.
Line by Line Meaning
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
Puff was a magical dragon who lived near the ocean
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honnah Lee
Puff enjoyed playing and having fun in a place known as Honnah Lee
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
A boy named Jackie Paper loved and cared for Puff
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff, oh!
Jackie would bring Puff toys and trinkets to play with
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Puff and Jackie would go on adventures together on a sailboat
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail
Jackie rode on Puff's tail and looked out for any dangers on their journey
Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came
Puff and Jackie received respect and admiration from those they met
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name, oh!
Even pirates acknowledged Puff's power and would surrender when confronted by him
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
While Puff would live forever, Jackie was mortal and would eventually grow up
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys
As Jackie grew up, he lost interest in playing with Puff and turned to different forms of play
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
Jackie stopped visiting Puff without any explanation
And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar
Without Jackie, Puff became sad and lost his sense of adventure and bravery
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain
Puff was devastated by the loss of his friend and wept green tears
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane
Puff stopped going on adventures and playing along with Jackie on their usual route
Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave
Jackie was Puff's closest and truest friend who gave him the ability to be fearless
So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave, oh!
Feeling defeated and sad without Jackie, Puff retreated to his cave to be alone
Contributed by Gabriella D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@robinhosleftfoot
Saw a comment above that gave alternate last verse. Improves the song imo
(optional last verse)
One fine day it happened, Puff woke from a dream
He thought he heard a familiar voice and Jackie’s laugh it seemed
He looked around his cavern and over by the door
Stood a little boy with a piece of string and smile he’d seen before
“Hello My name is Billy, my dad told me your name
He said I’d find you in the cave along the cherry lane“
Puff, that mighty dragon smiled in his joy
He’d never be alone again for this was Jackie’s boy
@user-uk6qt1qn8o
I always found this song so sad whether the song is about Jackie actually dying or losing his innocence, either way, grown-ups can relive their childhood through their kids. As a kid, I thought of a different ending:
Little Jackie Paper
Wasn’t so little anymore
He met a lady he loved
And brought her to the shore
“This is my best friend,” said Jackie
“Puff, this is Marie. She said yes just the other day…
When I asked her to marry me!”
Puff, Jackie and the pretty Marie
Had a wonderful time those three
Then the children came, then the grandkids
And Puff was family
When old Jackie and Marie
Got to old to play with Puff
They smiled and watched Puff and the kids
And their adventures brought such joy
See, Dragons live forever, but humans not so much
But families do go on and on
Oh, thank goodness for old Puff
Every generation
Of Jackie’s family
Loved Puff to the moon and back
And Grandpa Puff was filled with glee
(Chorus)
@angie9825
@@cathalmcwilliams3033 It's a theory. The creators have mentioned several times that this was about the loss of childhood. If this is about a pipe then every other song might as well be.
The lyrics are
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 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 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
The only proof people have are
The words Puff and Mist
Puff is just a name and mist is just autumn mist that comes with the cold
That isn't much proof, isn't it.
@user-uk6qt1qn8o
I always found this song so sad whether the song is about Jackie actually dying or losing his innocence, either way, grown-ups can relive their childhood through their kids. As a kid, I thought of a different ending:
Little Jackie Paper
Wasn’t so little anymore
He met a lady he loved
And brought her to the shore
“This is my best friend,” said Jackie
“Puff, this is Marie. She said yes just the other day…
When I asked her to marry me!”
Puff, Jackie and the pretty Marie
Had a wonderful time those three
Then the children came, then the grandkids
And Puff was family
When old Jackie and Marie
Got to old to play with Puff
They smiled and watched Puff and the kids
And their adventures brought such joy
See, Dragons live forever, but humans not so much
But families do go on and on
Oh, thank goodness for old Puff
Every generation
Of Jackie’s family
Loved Puff to the moon and back
And Grandpa Puff was filled with glee
(Chorus)
@dangerouskitchen4819
One fine day it happened, Puff woke from a dream
He thought he heard a familiar voice and Jackie’s laugh it seemed
He looked around his cavern and over by the door
Stood a little boy with a piece of string and smile he’d seen before
“Hello My name is Billy, my dad told me your name
He said I’d find you in the cave along the cherry lane“
Puff, that mighty dragon smiled in his joy
He’d never be alone again for this was Jackie’s boy
CHORUS
@rrknl5187
My fondest memory of this song was in 1980 or so. My late wife, her nephew (10) and I were in the car when it came on the radio. We all snag along, even a 10 year-old boy knew the words.
When it was done, the DJ came on and said 'that's such a cool song, I'm going to play it again'.
So we all got to sing along again.
I'm nearly 60 and every time I hear it, I'm brought back to a time when life was much simpler. A happy time; no fears, lots of freedom, just a simple and enjoyable life.
Sadly, quite the contrast to these days......
@TeddyBerry
(optional last verse)
One fine day it happened, Puff woke from a dream
He thought he heard a familiar voice and Jackie’s laugh it seemed
He looked around his cavern and over by the door
Stood a little boy with a piece of string and smile he’d seen before
“Hello My name is Billy, my dad told me your name
He said I’d find you in the cave along the cherry lane“
Puff, that mighty dragon smiled in his joy
He’d never be alone again for this was Jackie’s boy
@user-uk6qt1qn8o
I always found this song so sad whether the song is about Jackie actually dying or losing his innocence, either way, grown-ups can relive their childhood through their kids. As a kid, I thought of a different ending:
Little Jackie Paper
Wasn’t so little anymore
He met a lady he loved
And brought her to the shore
“This is my best friend,” said Jackie
“Puff, this is Marie. She said yes just the other day…
When I asked her to marry me!”
Puff, Jackie and the pretty Marie
Had a wonderful time those three
Then the children came, then the grandkids
And Puff was family
When old Jackie and Marie
Got to old to play with Puff
They smiled and watched Puff and the kids
And their adventures brought such joy
See, Dragons live forever, but humans not so much
But families do go on and on
Oh, thank goodness for old Puff
Every generation
Of Jackie’s family
Loved Puff to the moon and back
And Grandpa Puff was filled with glee
(Chorus)
@user-uk6qt1qn8o
I always found this song so sad whether the song is about Jackie actually dying or losing his innocence, either way, grown-ups can relive their childhood through their kids. As a kid, I thought of a different ending:
Little Jackie Paper
Wasn’t so little anymore
He met a lady he loved
And brought her to the shore
“This is my best friend,” said Jackie
“Puff, this is Marie. She said yes just the other day…
When I asked her to marry me!”
Puff, Jackie and the pretty Marie
Had a wonderful time those three
Then the children came, then the grandkids
And Puff was family
When old Jackie and Marie
Got to old to play with Puff
They smiled and watched Puff and the kids
And their adventures brought such joy
See, Dragons live forever, but humans not so much
But families do go on and on
Oh, thank goodness for old Puff
Every generation
Of Jackie’s family
Loved Puff to the moon and back
And Grandpa Puff was filled with glee
(Chorus)
@nicklandry8019
My mother used to play this to me on her guitar and I remember asking her to play it over and over again. Life was simple uncomplicated even though we didn’t have a whole lot my childhood felt full. I’m now 30, big job, house, wife, dog and first child. I just heard this song for what feels like the first time in 20 years and played it for my new baby daughter. I immediately burst into tears bringing the nostalgia of my childhood back and realizing for the first time that this song is about losing your childhood innocence. I hope one day my baby girl can look back on her childhood the same way I did with mine with love, laughter and fulfillment. Oh my here come the tears again ...I guess it’s true, grown men do cry after all.
@carolmahala
I love your post----and the song. I'm 79 and still love this song. I listen to it often. It's of the nicest of the music from that era.
@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106
I'm 61 but when I was around 4 my mom would lay with me when I was scared on a stormy night and softly sing puff to me.i miss that.but my 4 year old granddaughter will sing it once in a while for pawpaw
@margaretpate1096
Thank you for sharing this touching memory.
@sphinxrising1129
Well, here is you chance to pass on your childhood joy & imagination to your child. Will you pass the banner onto the next generation?
@ducksinarowpatience3670
Bless you all in Yeshua's name.
@JTS-wi8qm
Anyone else listening to this late at night thinking about their childhood and knowing that that was the only childhood we’re ever going to get on this earth
@obi_wan_knabi1435
I’ve thought about that a lot... in all it was the best one ever :)
@lulublu5670
The song made me sad, and you made me sadder 😭
@benziegler9803
Fr