About the song
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s set the stage for a true gem of American music history—Willie Nelson’s stirring rendition of “Pretty Paper,” performed live on Austin City Limits in 1993. If you’re familiar with Nelson’s music, you’ll know his genius lies in his ability to make even the simplest melodies resonate deeply. This performance is no exception, offering a poignant mix of heartfelt lyricism, tender instrumentation, and Nelson’s unmistakable, world-worn voice.
Originally penned by Nelson himself in 1963, “Pretty Paper” was first made famous by Roy Orbison. However, Nelson’s own recordings of the song, both in studio and live, carry a unique sense of intimacy and melancholy. This particular live version elevates the song even further. The setting—Austin, Texas, where Nelson has deep roots—adds an unmistakable authenticity. There’s something about the way his voice fills the room, how every note seems to breathe with the essence of a hometown Christmas, that makes this performance feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
“Pretty Paper” tells the story of a street vendor selling holiday wares—ribbons, papers, and trinkets—amid the bustling chaos of the season. But at its core, it’s a song about loneliness and human vulnerability. That seemingly cheerful cry of “pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue” becomes, in Nelson’s hands, an aching metaphor for those overlooked or forgotten during the holiday rush.
In this 1993 performance, Nelson’s delivery is masterful. Accompanied by his iconic guitar, Trigger, and his band’s delicate harmonies, he turns what might have been a simple Christmas tune into a moment of reflection. You can hear the audience hanging on every word, every note. Nelson’s phrasing—always slightly behind the beat, with that wistful vibrato—underscores the bittersweet nature of the song.
What makes this performance particularly special is its context. By 1993, Nelson was already an American icon, yet his music never lost its warmth or authenticity. “Pretty Paper” on Austin City Limits captures the quiet magic of Willie Nelson: a troubadour who could take a holiday song and turn it into a timeless meditation on compassion and connection. This performance remains a testament to his enduring artistry.
Video
Lyrics
The pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
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
