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

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real Group

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real GroupSong Writing

The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.