Paper Doll
Louis Armstrong · Other Songs - Louis Armstrong
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
Paper Doll
Louis Armstrong's 'Paper Doll' stands as a quintessential example of his early swing era recordings, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend vocal improvisation with the rhythmic drive of the big band. Released during the height of his career, the track exemplifies the hot jazz style that defined the 1920s and 1930s, featuring Armstrong's signature scat singing and melodic phrasing. As a solo vocal performance supported by a full ensemble, the recording highlights his role as both a virtuoso instrumentalist and a charismatic singer who could command the attention of audiences worldwide. The song remains a staple of the jazz repertoire, illustrating Armstrong's enduring influence on vocal jazz and his mastery of the trumpet. It captures the lively, improvisational spirit of the era, serving as a timeless testament to his artistic genius and the vibrant musical culture of the time.