“Puff the Magic Dragon” is a song that has enchanted generations with its whimsical story and gentle melody. Written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, and Leonard Lipton, this iconic song, “Puff The Magic Dragon Song And Lyrics”, first emerged in 1963 and quickly became a beloved classic. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet evocative narrative of childhood friendship and imagination, set against the backdrop of a magical land called Honah-Lee. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering it for the first time, the song’s charm and lyrical depth continue to resonate.
Discover the Enchanting Lyrics of Puff the Magic Dragon
The heart of “Puff the Magic Dragon” lies in its storytelling lyrics. The song introduces us to Puff, a friendly dragon, and his companion, Jackie Paper, in their imaginary world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their adventures and the bittersweet passage of time as childhood gives way to adulthood. Here are the complete lyrics to sing along and relive the magic:
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) A7 D
In a land called Honah-Lee
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And brought his strings and sealing wax
(B7) (E) (A) (E) A7 D G D
And other fancy stuff.
CHORUS
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) A7 D
In a land called Honah-Lee
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) (A) (E) A7 D G D
In a land called Honah Lee
VERSE
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail.
(D) (A) (F#m) (B7) (E)
C G Em A7 D
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail.
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Noble kings and princes would bow when 'ere they came.
(D) (A) (F#m) (B7) (E) (G) (E)
C G Em A7 D G D
Pirate ships would low'r their flag when PUFF roared out his name. Oh!
CHORUS
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) A7 D
In a land called Honah-Lee
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) (A) (E) A7 D G D
In a land called Honah Lee.
VERSE
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
A dragon lives for-ever but not so little boys.
(D) (A) (F#m) (B7) (E)
C G Em A7 D
Painted wings and giants rings make way for other toys
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
One grey night it happened Jackie Paper came no more
(D) (A) (F#m)(B7) (E) (A)
C G Em A7 D G
And PUFF that mighty dragon he ceased his fearless roar.
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
His head was bent in sorrow green scales fell like rain.
(D) (A) (F#m) (B7) (E)
C G Em A7 D
PUFF no longer went to play a-long the cherry lane.
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
With-out his lifelong friend PUFF could not be brave
(D) (A)-(F#m) (B7) (E) (A) (E)
C G - Em A7 D G D
So PUFF that mighty dragon sadly slipped in-to his cave. Oh!
CHORUS
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) A7 D
In a land called Honah-Lee
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) (A) (E) A7 D G D
In a land .. called .. Honah .. LeeGuitar Chords to Play Puff the Magic Dragon
For musicians and aspiring guitarists, “Puff the Magic Dragon” is a wonderful song to learn. Its simple chord progression makes it accessible for beginners while still being musically rewarding. Below are the guitar chords as presented in the original song sheet, allowing you to play along. Remember, Peter Yarrow often used a capo on the 2nd fret, using ‘G’ fingerings while the song is in the key of A. Noel Paul Stookey played open ‘A’ chords. Both sets are provided for your convenience.
<b> (A) (C#m) (D) (A) <-------Noel's Part
G Bm C G <-------Peter's Part - capo on 2nd fret)
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And frolicked in the autumn mist
(B7) (E) A7 D
A7 D
In a land called Honah-Lee
(A) (C#m) (D) (A)
G Bm C G
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
(D) (A) (F#m)
C G Em
And brought his strings and sealing wax
(B7) (E) (A) (E) A7 D
A7 D G D
And other fancy stuff. </b>[Insert image here]
The Enduring Magic of Puff the Magic Dragon
“Puff the Magic Dragon” is more than just a children’s song; it’s a piece of musical history that continues to touch hearts. Its themes of friendship, imagination, and the inevitable changes of life resonate deeply with listeners of all ages. Whether you are revisiting this classic for nostalgic reasons, learning to play it on guitar, or sharing it with a new generation, the “puff the magic dragon song and lyrics” will undoubtedly continue to bring joy and a touch of magic for years to come.
photo by: Jim Dirden