"Paper in Fire" is a song by American rock singer John Mellencamp, released on August 15, 1987, as the first single from his ninth studio album The Lonesome Jubilee. The song was a commercial success, reaching number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the BillboardAlbum Rock Tracks chart. It was also successful in Canada, where it topped The Record's singles chart and peaked at number three on the RPM 100 Singles chart.
Background and composition
Mellencamp biographer David Masciotra called "Paper in Fire" a "ferocious song" that is the "aural equivalent of a wild beast breaking out of its cage."
[3] Masciotra describes it as having a libertarian theme.[3] Mellencamp has said that the song is about his uncle Joe Mellencamp, who could be cruel to others and his own worst enemy, saying that "'Paper in Fire' is about Joe, and the family's ingrained anger...It is tragic when families don't grow up."[3]
Critical reception
Cash Box said that "AOR will undoubtedly benefit from this one - as will Top 40 radio, music video saturation is guaranteed."[4]
