John Mellencamp

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She had a dream
And boy it was a good one
So she chased after her dream
With much desire
But when she got too close
To her expectations
Well the dream burned up
Like paper in fire

[Chorus]
Paper in fire
Stinkin' up the ashtrays
Paper in fire
Smokin' up the alleyways
Who's to say the way
A man should spend his days?
Do you let them smolder
Like paper in fire?

[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
Paper in fire
Stinkin' up the ashtrays
Paper in fire
Smokin' up the alleyways
Who's to say the way
A man should spend his days?
Do you let them smolder
Like paper in fire?

[Verse 3]
There's a good life
Right across this green field
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

[Chorus]
Paper in fire
Stinkin' up the ashtrays
Paper in fire
Blowin' down the alleyways
Who's to say the way
A man should spend his days?
Do you let them smolder
Like paper in fire?
Paper in fire
Stinkin' up the ashtrays
Paper in fire
Blowin' down the alleyways
Who's to say the way
A man should spend his days?
Do you let them smolder
Like paper in fire?
[Outro]
Paper in fireEmbed

John Mellencamp's song Paper in Fire is one of those songs that has stood the test of time and is still loved by many music fans worldwide. The song is a classic rock and roll track that combines great musical composition with powerful vocals that will make you nod your head in appreciation. Paper in Fire is a song that speaks to the human condition, focusing on the struggles we all face in life and how we relate to those struggles.

About Paper in Fire

Paper in Fire was released in 1987 and was part of John Mellencamp's album "The Lonesome Jubilee." The song peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, showing how much people loved it. The song is a showcase of Mellencamp's songwriting and musical skills, as well as his ability to craft relevant and relatable lyrics that stay with the listener.

The tempo of the song is upbeat, with prominent drums and a great guitar riff that hooks you in from the start. The lyrics of the song are powerful, speaking to the struggles of everyday people as they try to navigate the complexities of life. Mellencamp's voice is strong and powerful, and it gives the song an added emotional punch that pulls you in.

The song's opening lyrics "She had a dream and boy, it was a good one" set the stage for the rest of the song. The song is about a woman who is trying to make a better life for herself and her family, but she keeps running into roadblocks. The lyrics talk about how life can sometimes feel like a never-ending struggle, but despite this, we must keep pushing forward and trying to make things better.

The chorus of the song is powerful and speaks to the human desire to have a better life. The lyrics "Love will make you a slave. Love will make you a fool. Throw away your inhibitions and give the kids a little room" highlight the importance of human connection and the need for us to be there for one another.

The song's bridge is a highlight of the composition, with Mellencamp's voice reaching new heights as he sings about the beauty that can be found in life. The lyrics "The sky was bright and clear. You could see for miles around. But there's a fear in your heart that's letting you down" speak to the human tendency to let fear hold us back.

Throughout the song, Mellencamp's lyrics are both poetic and relatable, speaking to the human condition and the challenges we all face in life. His voice is strong and powerful, adding an emotive quality to the song that pulls you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story.

Bottom line

John Mellencamp's song Paper in Fire is a classic rock and roll track that has stood the test of time. The lyrics are powerful, speaking to the struggles we all face in life, while the composition is a showcase of Mellencamp's musical skills. If you are a fan of classic rock and roll or are looking for a song that speaks to the human condition, then Paper in Fire is a must-listen for you.

• Release Date: August 15, 1987
• Artist: John Mellencamp