What is puff the magic dragon?

"Puff, the Magic Dragon" is a song by the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, released in 1963. The song was based on a 1959 poem written by Leonard Lipton, a friend of Peter Yarrow, who is one of the group's members. Yarrow later added music to the poem and the group recorded it for their album "Moving."

The song tells the story of a young boy named Jackie Paper and his magical dragon friend, Puff. They embark on adventures together in the mythical land of Honalee. However, as Jackie grows older, he loses interest in childish things, and Puff is left alone, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

"Puff, the Magic Dragon" has been subject to various interpretations and urban legends, including rumors about its lyrics being related to drug use. The creators have consistently denied these interpretations, emphasizing that it is simply a song about the innocence of childhood.

The song remains popular and has become a timeless classic, often covered by various artists and frequently appearing in children's programming and media. Its themes of friendship and growing up resonate with audiences of all ages.