About the song
Roy Orbison, the “King of Hearts,” delivered a timeless holiday classic with his 1963 song, “Pretty Paper.” This heartfelt ballad, penned by Orbison and Bill Dees, captures the spirit of Christmas and the longing for loved ones during the season.
“Pretty Paper” opens with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming, setting a melancholic yet hopeful tone. Orbison’s distinctive baritone voice delivers the lyrics with a raw emotion that draws listeners in. The song’s narrator, a lonely man far away from home, writes a letter to his loved ones, expressing his longing and wishing for a peaceful Christmas.
The lyrics of “Pretty Paper” are filled with vivid imagery and poignant metaphors. Orbison paints a picture of a cold winter night, a lonely Christmas tree, and a heart filled with longing. The song’s message of homesickness and the desire for connection resonates deeply with listeners, making it a beloved holiday tradition.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its simple yet powerful melody. The repetitive chorus, with its haunting refrain of “Pretty paper, pretty paper, please write me back,” evokes a sense of longing and yearning. Orbison’s emotive vocals and the song’s melancholic tone create a deeply moving listening experience.
“Pretty Paper” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963. It has since become a holiday standard, covered by countless artists over the years. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message, its beautiful melody, and Orbison’s unforgettable performance.
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Lyrics
The pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write “I love you”
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Crowded street, busy feet hustle by him
Downtown shoppers, Christmas is nigh
There he sits all alone on the sidewalk
Hoping that you won’t pass him by
Should you stop, better not, much too busy
You’re in a hurry, my how time does fly
In the distance the ringing of laughter
And in the midst of the laughter he cries
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write “I love you”
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue