The Mills Brothers – Paper Doll

“Paper Doll” sold over 10 million copies and was a ticket to stardom for the Mills Brothers. Here are a few fun facts about “Paper Doll” and The Mills Brothers.

Fun Facts

• The Mills Brothers band consisted of four brothers John, Herbert, Harry, and Donald. John Jr was the oldest member of the band and would be the first to pass on and be replaced by John Sr., his father.
• The hit single “Paper Doll” was written in 1915 by Johnny S. Black. He wrote the song after his lover left him. The song starts with the lyrics, “I would like to buy a paper doll that I can call my own.”
• “Paper Doll” by The Mills Brothers was recorded and released in May 1942 by Decca record label.
• The song stayed on the US Billboard top spot for twelve weeks straight and sold over 10 million copies.

Lyrics

I’m gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own

A doll that other fellows cannot steal

And then the flirty, flirty guys with their flirty, flirty eyes

Will have to flirt with dollies that are real

When I come home at night she will be waiting

She’ll be the truest doll in all this world

I’d rather have a paper doll to call my own

Than have a fickle-minded real live girl

I guess I had a million dolls or more

I guess I’ve played the doll game o’er and o’er

I just quarreled with Sue, that’s why I’m blue

She’s gone away and left me just like all dolls do

I’ll tell you boys, it’s tough to be alone

And it’s tough to love a doll that’s not your own

I’m through with all of them, I’ll never fall again

Say boy, whatcha gonna do?

I’m gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own

A doll that other fellows cannot steal

And then the flirty, flirty guys with their flirty, flirty eyes

Will have to flirt with dollies that are real

When I come home at night she will be waiting

She’ll be the truest doll in all this world

I’d rather have a paper doll to call my own

Than have a fickle-minded real live girl