It's Only A Paper Moon
Bucky Pizzarelli Lyrics
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Sailing over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Hanging over a muslin tree
But it wouldn't be make-believe
Without your love
It's a honky tonk parade
Without your love
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
Just as phony as it can be
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Say, it's only a paper moon
Sailing over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Hanging over a muslin tree
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
Without your love
It's a honky-tonk parade
Without your love
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
Just as phony as it can be
But it wouldn't be make-believe
If you believed in me
It's phony it's plain to see
How happy I would be
If you believed in me
Bucky Pizzarelli's song "It's Only a Paper Moon" is a romantic and whimsical tune that explores the idea of make-believe and how it can be real if you truly believe in it. The song begins by describing how the moon and sea are made of paper and cardboard, but they can become real if the listener believes in the singer's love for them. The canvas sky and muslin tree are also described as make-believe, but they can become tangible if the listener believes in the singer's affection.
The chorus explains the dire consequences of not having the listener's love, drawing comparisons to a honky-tonk parade and a penny arcade. These places are typically associated with cheap entertainment for the masses, indicating that life without the listener's love would be meaningless and unfulfilling for the singer. Despite this, the song remains optimistic and encouraging, insisting that a make-believe world can still be real if they both believe in it.
The last stanza simplifies the message of the song even further by stating plainly that happiness can be achieved if the listener believes in the love that the singer has for them. This message of hope and possibility is what makes "It's Only a Paper Moon" such a beloved classic, as it encourages listeners to hold onto their dreams and believe that anything is possible if they just give it a chance.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, it's only a paper moon
Let's acknowledge that the moon we see is only made of paper.
Sailing over a cardboard sea
The moon we see is only able to float due to the imagination and creativity of the people who crafted it.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
This paper moon would no longer be imaginary or pretend.
If you believed in me
If you trust me and have faith in us, this paper moon would become a reality.
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
The sky above us, too, is just a painted image on a piece of fabric.
Hanging over a muslin tree
The trees we see through the fabric are also just decorations.
Without your love
Without the affection and connection we share,
It's a honky tonk parade
Everything seems like a noisy and flashy display without any real meaning.
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
It's just like a tune played repeatedly in a cheap arcade, lacking sincerity and heart.
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
The world seems like a show, full of illusions and tricks, like in a circus performance.
Just as phony as it can be
As fake and inauthentic as possible.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
However, this pretentious facade would disappear if you trusted me and believed in our relationship.
If you believed in me
If you had confidence and faith in me,
It's phony it's plain to see
It's clear that what we see and experience is artificial and false.
How happy I would be
However, my joy would be unparalleled
If you believed in me
if you trusted me and shared your love with me.
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Rose, E. Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@castellanodrclaudio
..............................ma che bravi, fantastici, travolgenti!
Un trio davvero eccezionale, per fantasia, inventiva , estro e creatività musicale così ammaliante, trainante e travolgente che ristora il corpo, l'anima e la mente di tutti quegli appassionati del jazz e dello "swing in particolare, un Trio così ben amalgamato che suscita, in chi li ascolta, quel naturale ed Universale sentimento dell'anima che si chiama "Emozione!!
Bravi, bravi davvero!!
I miei sentiti complimenti al " Big " John Pizzarelli , al pianista altrettanto bravo ed infine al contrabbassista, un vero fenomeno!!i
Tre Big messi insieme.
E dici poco?
C.Castellano, Italia
.......... but how good, fantastic, overwhelming!
A truly exceptional trio, for imagination, inventiveness, flair and musical creativity so bewitching, driving and overwhelming that it restores the body, soul and mind of those who listen to them (and who are all those fans of jazz and swing in particular ), arousing in them that natural and Universal feeling of the soul which is called "Emotion !!
Well done, really good !!
My heartfelt congratulations to the "Big" John Pizzarelli, to the equally good pianist and finally to the double bass player, a real phenomenon !!
Three Big put together.
And you say little?
C. Castellano, Italy
@felipegonzalez7304
Dear Mr. Pizzarelli,
I just heard about your papa, Bucky. Please accept condolences from a fan of his and yours. I hope he's in a better place making beautiful music. God speed to you and yours!
Yours truly,
Felipe Gonzalez
@lesliethomas5845
wow!!!! marvelous
Both J Pizzarelli & Konrad P
@Brad4Ellis
An impressive nearly note-for-note transcription of the great Nat King Cole Trio guitar & piano 1st chorus, complete with NKC’s modulation, as well as the outro and many of his wonderful vocal mannerisms. I share John’s absorbing fandom of NKC and Oscar Moore.
@LenaLee0304
I listened to this song on Blue Note(NY) last Sunday. Amazing~ So happy!!!!!!
@claudioborrone5256
John, greatings from Argentina. I think that you are one of the greatest musicians of all the times...
@thatguyyoudontknow
4700 subs......I'll never understand the world today
True love and joy in music, the Pizarellis. Amazing.
@rodoficiati
LIGHT UP, what a bless musicians like you, also my condolences for father Bucky, i lost my dad 2 years ago, and remembers him a lot everyday, so hope you and pizzarelli family is ok, love your tunes, almost like ritual listen to you and other "italian mafia" jazz players... Big hug from and inspired brazilian musician by you. God Bless.
@jasonsteffek9265
Having lost a loved one recently, this and other video's I have watched of you and your father...have hit the spot. Thank you. Be safe.
@laurielyon7740
My condolences on the passing of your father. That he was a legendary musician is noteworthy. But that he was reputed to be a wonderful person and outstanding gentleman is perhaps an even greater legacy. His life well lived and enjoyed by many.
@roxyroxburgh9566
Absolutely BRILLIANT!!! I love the Nat King Cole trio. The interplay between Nat and Oscar M was just wonderful. Your trio is just Fab. Thank you.