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Paul Francis Webster (December 20, 1907-1984) was a American lyricist.

He was born in New York City and attended Cornell University and New York University. He served in the United States Navy and then became a dance instructor. By 1931, however, he turned his career direction to writing song lyrics.

In 1935 Twentieth Century Fox signed him to a contract to write lyrics for Shirley Temple's films, but shortly afterward he went back to freelance writing. His first hit was a collaboration in 1941 with Duke Ellington on the somg "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)."

After 1950, Webster worked mostly for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He won two Academy Awards in collaboration with Sammy Fain, in 1953 and 1955, and another with Johnny Mandel in 1965. In addition, a large number of his songs became major hits on the popular music charts.

He died in Los Angeles, California.

Songs by Paul Francis Webster that won the Academy Award for Best Song

• "Secret Love" (1953)
• "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing" (1955)
• "The Shadow of Your Smile" (1965)

Nominated for the award

• "A Time for Love" (1966)

Songs winning Grammy Awards for best song of the year

• "The Shadow of Your Smile" (1966)

Other songs with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster

• "A Certain Smile"
• "Anastasia"
• "April Love"
• "A Very Precious Love"
• "Baltimore Oriole"
• "Black Coffee"
• "Black Hills Of Dakota"
• "Boy On A Dolphin"
• "Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief"
• "Friendly Persuasion"
• "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)"
• "How It Lies, How It Lies, How It Lies!"
• "Maverick"
• "My Moonlight Madonna"
• "Padre"
• "Rainbow On The River"
• "The Lamplighter's Serenade"
• "The Loveliest Night Of The Year"
• "There's Never Been Anyone Else But You"
• "The Song Of Raintree County"
• "The Twelfth Of Never"
• "Two Cigarettes In The Dark"
• "You Was"

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