Willie Nelson: Pretty Paper Meaning

Pretty Paper Lyrics

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 streets, busy feet hustle by you
Downtown shoppers Christmas is night
There he sits...

1. m320753

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   Feb 8th 2010 !⃝

   my limited knowledge of this song makes me agree with the person who acknowledged the homeless man. he can have my wife. been married 40 years she sent me to prison in 2006 that's the day that our life together started it's downward spiral since i got out in 2007 i've kissed her on he cheek maybe 5 or 10 times. i give her money to buy herself gifts for whatever the occasion. don't get me wrong, i still love my wife i just don't like her anymore
2. crancran3

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   Feb 2nd 2010 !⃝

   The key to the pathos of this song is found in the double meaning of the word 'cry'.
   
   "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."
   
   This possibly homeless guy on the street, who people avoid, is crying out his sales pitch, as in barking his wares. That's one meaning of 'cry'
   
   The other meaning is the more conventional one, like weep, sob, etc. At least inside, he is crying because, especially during this busy, festive Christmas season, he is all too aware of what he lacks, such as a darling of his own, for example.
   
   The fact that the ribbons are blue is fairly obvious. It's a down, and out, and blue sentiment.

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