Two years ago today . . . on the 16th day of December in 2013 . . . an article was published on Willie Nelson's website entitled The Mystery of “Pretty Paper” Is Unwrapped . . . this article tells the story of Frankie Brierton who was apparently the inspiration for Willie's song, Pretty Paper . . . this song has always tugged at my heartstrings, but after reading the story behind the words, I will never "hear" this song the same way again . . .
One of my "new" favorite Christmas movies is Angels Sing . . . one of the "moments" of this movie is when the family gathers in the living room of the grandparents . . . and Grandpa (aka Kris Kristofferson) picks up his guitar and begins to sing Pretty Paper, accompanied by Marcia Ball, et al . . . one of the "characters" in this movie is played by Willie . . .
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