“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).
