Paper In Fire

Album: The Lonesome Jubilee (1987)
Charted: 86 9
Play Video
  • 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 Writer/s: John Mellencamp
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 2

  • Marly from Las VegasI love the vibe of this video. It seems like everyone was having a good time in a down-to-Earth genuine way. It's on my favorite playlist at home and cheers me up when I watch it.
  • George from Vancouver, CanadaLike most of Mellencamp's - a very catchy tune & lyrics. . . reminiscent of Springsteen or vice-versa
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Harry Shearer

Harry ShearerSongwriter Interviews

Harry is Derek Smalls in Spinal Tap, Mark Shubb in The Folksmen, and Mr. Burns on The Simpsons.

Jello Biafra

Jello BiafraSongwriter Interviews

The former Dead Kennedys frontman on the past, present and future of the band, what music makes us "pliant and stupid," and what he learned from Alice Cooper.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.