Willie Nelson wrote the song but it was pitched to Roy Orbison so I think Roy recorded & released it first! Merry Christmas Taylor Family from southeast Tennessee!
Willie Nelson Pretty Paper/Lyricists Willie is a prolific lyricist. His songs are beautiful. Crazy, Hello Walls, and the list goes on for a country mile.
"Pretty Paper" is a song written by country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson in 1963. After being signed to Monument Records, Nelson played the song for producer Fred Foster. Foster pitched the song to Roy Orbison, who turned it into a hit."
I remembering my dad , raising 8 kids on a farm. seeing a blind man selling pencils on the streets, putting money in his basket and never taking a pencil. We were poor, but blessed with a dad who was gruff, but taught us compassion.
This was released in 1963 by Roy Orbison. It means a lot to Willie to sing it because he is the one who wrote it. I used to cry every time this song would play on the radio. The line "There he sits all alone on the sidewalk" just broke my heart because it was Christmas and he was homeless and alone. Also, the part that goes "Should he stop, better not, much too busy" is also heartbreaking because even this man who has sympathy for the plight of the man on the sidewalk is actually too busy to do anything to help him. And so, as a kid, I cried!
I've seen a lot of reaction videos of Nelson, Chesney, Haggard, Williams Jr. and George Strait but not one person has reacted to any of these artists more upbeat and iconic songs. Willie-"On The Road Again, Chesney- American Kids, Haggard-"I Had a Beautiful Time", Williams Jr-"Attitude Adjustment " and Strait-"Ace in the Hole". My dad listened these over and over growing up (w exception of Chesney). My father has since passed away but growing up listening to these seemingly popular songs over and over and over just surprises me at their absence on RUclips reaction videos. May you be the first to check some of these songs out.
That's his famous guitar, "Trigger". It's older than you *or* me. In the early 80s Willie ran afoul of the IRS on taxes and he had to auction off a bunch of his things. Well, bless the Lord, wasn't *nobody* gonna' take his guitar, so he hid it, and they looked everywhere for it, to try to auction it off for his tax debt. Needless to say they never did find it, and it's been patched, and taped and wired up , but still sounds gorgeous!
Yeah, this is Willie's songwriting prowess---I'm thinking '62, maybe.... Golden oldie---Willie AND the song; and ME, as I grew-up listening to this!!! EXCELLENT choice!!
The song tells the story of a street vendor who, during the Christmas season, sells pencils and paper on the streets. In October 1963, while walking in his farm in Ridgetop, Tennessee, Nelson was inspired to write the song after he remembered a man he often saw while he lived in Fort Worth, Texas.
Another example of Willie covering his own song. He wrote songs for others and would record them later for himself. Check out a couple Duets"Seven Spanish Angels" with Ray Charles and also "Pancho and Lefty" with Merle Haggard. Willie is very versatile. Even Jazz. He mostly sings his own stuff but has had hits with covers as well.
Sure you have a lot of Willie! Here's some suggestions you may have: "On The Road Again," "Seven Spanish Angels" with Ray Charles, "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground," cover of "Midnight Rider," "Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning," "Red Headed Stranger," "Shotgun Willie," "What Can You Do To Me Now?," "Yesterday's Wine," "Ride Me Back Home" & "Whiskey River" (good one!) . Also did a duet with Julio Iglesias you may know, "To All the Girls I've Loved Before."
Willie was/is the most prolific song writer I know of. He's written hundreds of songs for other singers throughout his long career. You've probably heard the song "Frosty the Snowman" ... another gem from Willie, although I'm not sure if he wrote it himself. I'm so glad you're enjoying this country music journey. Thank you!
My mother loved this song as it was sung by Roy Orbison. It's equally beautiful. Try Orbisons hit song In Dreams. I couldn't listen to that song for at least ten years after my husband died without breaking down."In dreams I walk with you, in dreams I talk with you".
It’s based on a real homeless vender. The homeless person had no legs. He just wanted to make everyone’s Christmas special and brighter than it was when they went out shopping
I am I'm 84 years old And I grew up on country music the difference between a true country artist artist is they tell the story story and it's like it's there it's them you feel that story they go into it themselves and it's wonderful there are a lot of good country singers beautiful beautiful songs but they don't have that depth
Merry Christmas! If you ever react to "Sunshine on My Shoulders" or "Go Rest High on that Mountain," I would love it. My best friend for 46 years, Lisa, lost her husband, home, cat, dog and 2 horses in 2021. Had several issues with breast cancer and constant problems with the implants. Just a little extra sad for her (and me). The Judd's have great songs: "Why Not Me," "Mama, He's Crazy," "Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain," "Girl's Night Out," "Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good, Old Days" and "Love is Alive." Wynona has some good singles as well. Anyway, John Denver, Olivia Newton John (Neutron Bomb) and even Linda Rondstat have been pegged country or have had that sound. Honestly, Linda's "Blue Bayou" is the only one sounding remotely country-ish to me but you may have heard these before. John Denver obviously has "Take Me Home, Country Roads," (there's a duet with Johnny Cash, too), "Thank God I'm a Country Boy (think it's just him & banjo?), "Annie's Song," "I'm Sorry," "Rocky Mountain High " "Back Home Again." My absolute favorite is "Sunshine on My Shoulders." There's a duo with Olivia but doesn't sound country ("Fly Away.") There is a Mama Cass & John Denver live performance of "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Slight country sound. Olivia had "If You Love Me, Let Me Know," "Let Me Be There," "Please, Mr. Please" & "If Not For You." ("I Honestly Love You" is from before she went more pop but doesn't sound country.) Kenny has "Coward of the County," "You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me, Lucille," "Love Will Turn You Around" & "Crazy." ("Through the Years," "Lady" and "Just Stopped in (to See What Condition My Condition Was In)" - with First Edition - don't sound country but good songs.) "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," (with First Edition), "Goodbye," "She Believes in Me," "You Decorated My Life," "Write Your Name," "A Love Song" & "The Vows Go Unbroken." Also, Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain" is beautifully sad. Beautiful voice. Already listed the songs out but "There Ain't No Future in the Past," "Pocketful of Gold," "When I Call Your Name," "Look at Us," "Whenever You Come Around," "One More Last Chance," "I Still Believe in You," "Don't Let Our Love Start Slipping Away," "Never Knew Lonely," "Tryin' to Get Over You," "If You Ever Have Forever in Mind," "Liza Jane," "You and You Alone," "What the Cowgirls Do," "It's Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long," "A Letter to My Mama," Then there are his performances with Carrie Underwood, "How Great Thou Art" (will blow you away), with Wendy Moten, "True Love," :Take Me Down" (feat. Little Big Town) & "The Heart Won't Lie" with Reba McIntyre. Also, "Amie (Whatcha Want To Do)." I heard a good George Jones' song the other day besides "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair" and "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes." "She Thinks I Still Care," "Choices," "The Grand Tour," "She Loved a Lot in Her Time," "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me," "Finally Friday," "The Race is On" & "Golden Ring" with Tammy Wynette. Conway Twitty has many good songs besides his many duets with Loretta Lynn and "That's My Job." "Linda on My Mind," "Hello, Darling," "Slow Hand," (cover?), "Rainy Night in Georgia" with Sam Moore (cover?), "Goodbye Time," "I See the Want To in Your Eyes," "You've Never Been This Far Before," "I'd Love to Lay You Down," "Crazy in Love," "Don't Take It Away," "After All the Good is Gone," "Rest Your Love on Me," "I'm Tired of Being Something (That Means Nothing to You)," "Fifteen Years Ago," "Somebody's Needing Somebody," "Play, Guitar, Play," "Those Eyes," "Almost Persuaded," "I May Never Get to Heaven" and "Tight-Fitting Jeans." Sorry about the novel! Have a nice weekend and Happy New Year!
YES, WILLIE WROTE PRETTY PAPER. HERE IS A LIST OF WILLIE ORIGINALS I GREW UP LISENING TO, THERE ARE A LOT MORE I NEVER LISTENED OR HEARD ABOUT [HE IS VERY PROLIFIC AS A SONGSTER] SONGS ARE, PATSY CLINES CRAZY, GOOD HEARTED WOMAN, HELLO WALLS, IN GOD'S EYES, FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY, ON THE ROAD AGAIN [HOME FREE DID A COVER OF IT], THE PARTY'S OVER AND OF COURSE PRETTY PAPER. WILLIE WILL BE 89 ON APRIL 29TH, ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND BLUE EYES CRYIN IN THE RAIN WAS NOT AN ORIGINAL
He is way too old in this video... This is a pretty song but the original recording is much better... Back when poor people sold things on the street... We had a Christmas card man who sold cards and paper from a homemade cart.. Korea war vet missing a leg.. Play guitar in town with a tin cup...About 1955
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
This was written by Willie about a real guy in Ft Worth that sat on the downtown sidewalks and sold paper and pencils to survive. True story
Did you catch the lyric of the homeless man sitting on the sidewalk that is passed by? Deeper meaning than most people get.
Willie Nelson wrote the song but it was pitched to Roy Orbison so I think Roy recorded & released it first! Merry Christmas Taylor Family from southeast Tennessee!
Willie Nelson
Pretty Paper/Lyricists
Willie is a prolific lyricist. His songs are beautiful. Crazy, Hello Walls, and the list goes on for a country mile.
His old Martin guitar named "Trigger" has such a beautiful tone.
The word you were looking for is Authentic. Willie's songs, his voice and his emotion is Authentic. You are doing great, keep it up.
That is exact the word I was searching for! Thank you!! I will need to remember that for the next Willie video.
Willie Nelson has always had a unique singing style. 👍💞
You get Willie
Willie is the best!!
"Pretty Paper" is a song written by country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson in 1963. After being signed to Monument Records, Nelson played the song for producer Fred Foster. Foster pitched the song to Roy Orbison, who turned it into a hit."
I remembering my dad , raising 8 kids on a farm. seeing a blind man selling pencils on the streets, putting money in his basket and never taking a pencil. We were poor, but blessed with a dad who was gruff, but taught us compassion.
This was released in 1963 by Roy Orbison. It means a lot to Willie to sing it because he is the one who wrote it. I used to cry every time this song would play on the radio. The line "There he sits all alone on the sidewalk" just broke my heart because it was Christmas and he was homeless and alone. Also, the part that goes "Should he stop, better not, much too busy" is also heartbreaking because even this man who has sympathy for the plight of the man on the sidewalk is actually too busy to do anything to help him. And so, as a kid, I cried!
♥ What an unmistakable voice Willie Nelson has! Beautiful.
I've seen a lot of reaction videos of Nelson, Chesney, Haggard, Williams Jr. and George Strait but not one person has reacted to any of these artists more upbeat and iconic songs. Willie-"On The Road Again, Chesney- American Kids, Haggard-"I Had a Beautiful Time", Williams Jr-"Attitude Adjustment " and Strait-"Ace in the Hole". My dad listened these over and over growing up (w exception of Chesney). My father has since passed away but growing up listening to these seemingly popular songs over and over and over just surprises me at their absence on RUclips reaction videos. May you be the first to check some of these songs out.
That's his famous guitar, "Trigger". It's older than you *or* me. In the early 80s Willie ran afoul of the IRS on taxes and he had to auction off a bunch of his things. Well, bless the Lord, wasn't *nobody* gonna' take his guitar, so he hid it, and they looked everywhere for it, to try to auction it off for his tax debt. Needless to say they never did find it, and it's been patched, and taped and wired up , but still sounds gorgeous!
Yeah, this is Willie's songwriting prowess---I'm thinking '62, maybe....
Golden oldie---Willie AND the song; and ME, as I grew-up listening to this!!!
EXCELLENT choice!!
I agree with you about his voice...it's original, real and awesome!!!
The song tells the story of a street vendor who, during the Christmas season, sells pencils and paper on the streets. In October 1963, while walking in his farm in Ridgetop, Tennessee, Nelson was inspired to write the song after he remembered a man he often saw while he lived in Fort Worth, Texas.
Kathie says… yes, it is a Willie Nelson Original. I love this song ❤️
At 88, he still sounds good. Willie wrote this in 1963. He also wrote a book entitled Pretty Paper. Willie also co-authored a book by the same name.
It is his original & even though many people have covered it, Willie has his own sense of timing on a song that makes it his own.
Another example of Willie covering his own song. He wrote songs for others and would record them later for himself. Check out a couple Duets"Seven Spanish Angels" with Ray Charles and also "Pancho and Lefty" with Merle Haggard. Willie is very versatile. Even Jazz. He mostly sings his own stuff but has had hits with covers as well.
Hope you and your wife enjoyed the Christmas party.
WILLIE NELSON WROTE THIS SONG PRETTY PAPER
Listen to this recorded by Willie in 1964 to get a better sound.
Sure you have a lot of Willie! Here's some suggestions you may have: "On The Road Again," "Seven Spanish Angels" with Ray Charles, "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground," cover of "Midnight Rider," "Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning," "Red Headed Stranger," "Shotgun Willie," "What Can You Do To Me Now?," "Yesterday's Wine," "Ride Me Back Home" & "Whiskey River" (good one!) . Also did a duet with Julio Iglesias you may know, "To All the Girls I've Loved Before."
Willie was/is the most prolific song writer I know of. He's written hundreds of songs for other singers throughout his long career. You've probably heard the song "Frosty the Snowman" ... another gem from Willie, although I'm not sure if he wrote it himself. I'm so glad you're enjoying this country music journey. Thank you!
My mother loved this song as it was sung by Roy Orbison. It's equally beautiful. Try Orbisons hit song In Dreams. I couldn't listen to that song for at least ten years after my husband died without breaking down."In dreams I walk with you, in dreams I talk with you".
You should react to the Christmas shoes -new song.....Great reaction mate 👍
It’s based on a real homeless vender. The homeless person had no legs. He just wanted to make everyone’s Christmas special and brighter than it was when they went out shopping
His sister plays the piano for him her name is Tracy
I am I'm 84 years old And I grew up on country music the difference between a true country artist artist is they tell the story story and it's like it's there it's them you feel that story they go into it themselves and it's wonderful there are a lot of good country singers beautiful beautiful songs but they don't have that depth
Try "Pancho and Lefty" by Willie and MreleHaggard. You have to see the video , it's like a mini movie.
Merry Christmas!
If you ever react to "Sunshine on My Shoulders" or "Go Rest High on that Mountain," I would love it. My best friend for 46 years, Lisa, lost her husband, home, cat, dog and 2 horses in 2021. Had several issues with breast cancer and constant problems with the implants. Just a little extra sad for her (and me).
The Judd's have great songs: "Why Not Me," "Mama, He's Crazy," "Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain," "Girl's Night Out," "Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good, Old Days" and "Love is Alive." Wynona has some good singles as well.
Anyway, John Denver, Olivia Newton John (Neutron Bomb) and even Linda Rondstat have been pegged country or have had that sound. Honestly, Linda's "Blue Bayou" is the only one sounding remotely country-ish to me but you may have heard these before. John Denver obviously has "Take Me Home, Country Roads," (there's a duet with Johnny Cash, too), "Thank God I'm a Country Boy (think it's just him & banjo?), "Annie's Song," "I'm Sorry," "Rocky Mountain High " "Back Home Again." My absolute favorite is "Sunshine on My Shoulders." There's a duo with Olivia but doesn't sound country ("Fly Away.") There is a Mama Cass & John Denver live performance of "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Slight country sound. Olivia had "If You Love Me, Let Me Know," "Let Me Be There," "Please, Mr. Please" & "If Not For You." ("I Honestly Love You" is from before she went more pop but doesn't sound country.) Kenny has "Coward of the County," "You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me, Lucille," "Love Will Turn You Around" & "Crazy." ("Through the Years," "Lady" and "Just Stopped in (to See What Condition My Condition Was In)" - with First Edition - don't sound country but good songs.) "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," (with First Edition), "Goodbye," "She Believes in Me," "You Decorated My Life," "Write Your Name," "A Love Song" & "The Vows Go Unbroken."
Also, Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain" is beautifully sad. Beautiful voice. Already listed the songs out but "There Ain't No Future in the Past," "Pocketful of Gold," "When I Call Your Name," "Look at Us," "Whenever You Come Around," "One More Last Chance," "I Still Believe in You," "Don't Let Our Love Start Slipping Away," "Never Knew Lonely," "Tryin' to Get Over You," "If You Ever Have Forever in Mind," "Liza Jane," "You and You Alone," "What the Cowgirls Do," "It's Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long," "A Letter to My Mama," Then there are his performances with Carrie Underwood, "How Great Thou Art" (will blow you away), with Wendy Moten, "True Love," :Take Me Down" (feat. Little Big Town) & "The Heart Won't Lie" with Reba McIntyre. Also, "Amie (Whatcha Want To Do)."
I heard a good George Jones' song the other day besides "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair" and "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes." "She Thinks I Still Care," "Choices," "The Grand Tour," "She Loved a Lot in Her Time," "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me," "Finally Friday," "The Race is On" & "Golden Ring" with Tammy Wynette.
Conway Twitty has many good songs besides his many duets with Loretta Lynn and "That's My Job." "Linda on My Mind," "Hello, Darling," "Slow Hand," (cover?), "Rainy Night in Georgia" with Sam Moore (cover?), "Goodbye Time," "I See the Want To in Your Eyes," "You've Never Been This Far Before," "I'd Love to Lay You Down," "Crazy in Love," "Don't Take It Away," "After All the Good is Gone," "Rest Your Love on Me," "I'm Tired of Being Something (That Means Nothing to You)," "Fifteen Years Ago," "Somebody's Needing Somebody," "Play, Guitar, Play," "Those Eyes," "Almost Persuaded," "I May Never Get to Heaven" and "Tight-Fitting Jeans."
Sorry about the novel! Have a nice weekend and Happy New Year!
For bonus points...what's the name of his guitar
Trigger
@@glennelfmann3143 yes sir
I would love it if you could react to Alan Jackson's song "The Angels Cried" with Alison Krauss.
I know Roy Orbison sang this.
I miss Roy. Now I'm sad..
Try out “Angels Flyung Too Close To The Ground” by Willy.
YES, WILLIE WROTE PRETTY PAPER. HERE IS A LIST OF WILLIE ORIGINALS I GREW UP LISENING TO, THERE ARE A LOT MORE I NEVER LISTENED OR HEARD ABOUT [HE IS VERY PROLIFIC AS A SONGSTER] SONGS ARE, PATSY CLINES CRAZY, GOOD HEARTED WOMAN, HELLO WALLS, IN GOD'S EYES, FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY, ON THE ROAD AGAIN [HOME FREE DID A COVER OF IT], THE PARTY'S OVER AND OF COURSE PRETTY PAPER. WILLIE WILL BE 89 ON APRIL 29TH, ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND BLUE EYES CRYIN IN THE RAIN WAS NOT AN ORIGINAL
This song was originally written and performed by Roy Orbison.
Nope. Written by Willie. Recorded by Roy in 1963.
Thanks for the correction.
Willie wrote this song but the first recording was by Roy Orbison. Willie recorded it later on.
Try Gene Watson.
Willie Nelson dead right the Christmas song Pretty Paper just to let you know
Did not dead sorry
🤣
He is way too old in this video... This is a pretty song but the original recording is much better... Back when poor people sold things on the street... We had a Christmas card man who sold cards and paper from a homemade cart.. Korea war vet missing a leg.. Play guitar in town with a tin cup...About 1955