In the truest spirit of the jazz tradition, Car… Read Full Bio ↴(1951 - 9 May, 2007)
In the truest spirit of the jazz tradition, Carla White devoted her life to artistic exploration and growth. Born in Oakland, California and raised in Bellport, New York, Carla earliest musical education came from her parents' record collection, listening to "everything from Stravinsky to Sinatra" But her discovery of jazz at the age of 13 had a profound effect, setting her future in motion. "The first time you hear jazz - really hear it", she explained, "if it connects with your soul, it changes your life."
It's Only A Paper Moon
Carla White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The lyrics of the song "It's Only a Paper Moon" by Carla White appear to be describing the idea of make-believe, and how it can provide a sense of escape and happiness. The first verse highlights the idea that things may seem fake or insubstantial, but they can still bring joy if someone believes in them. The second verse continues this idea, using the canvas sky and muslin tree as examples of things that may not be real, but can still be imagined and used to create a happy environment. The chorus then breaks this down even further, suggesting that without love, everything can feel empty or cheap (hence the reference to the honky-tonk parade and penny arcade), but with love and belief, even the most phony of worlds can be transformed into something meaningful and significant.
Overall, this song seems to be promoting the value of imagination and the importance of believing in oneself and others. By embracing the idea of make-believe and not being afraid to dream big, people can find joy even in difficult or challenging circumstances. In this way, Carla White's "It's Only a Paper Moon" serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the things we imagine can be just as real and important as the things we can see and touch.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, it's only a paper moon
Let's pretend that the moon is only a two-dimensional paper cutout.
Sailing over a cardboard sea
We'll imagine the moon is floating across a flat imitation of an ocean.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
Despite this pretend world, it can be a real experience.
If you believed in me
It depends on whether or not you have faith in this imaginative exercise.
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Let's also imagine the sky above us is merely a painted backdrop.
Hanging over a muslin tree
We'll imagine the tree in front of us is merely a thinly woven fabric backdrop.
Without your love
Life can feel dull and soulless.
It's a honky tonk parade
All the moving parts of life that lack meaning and emotion feel like a noisy, boisterous gathering.
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
It's like listening to jingles played on the cheap speakers of a carnival amusment park.
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
Life itself is akin to a circus or a grand stage show with smoke and mirrors.
Just as phony as it can be
This pretend and ridiculous display is about as fake as can be.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
Despite this, the experience can be genuine.
If you believed in me
All it takes is a little faith in the people you're sharing the experience with.
It's phony, it's plain to see
Everyone can see through the façade of this carnival game.
How happy I would be
If you played along and entered into this joyful imaginary scene.
If you believed in me
All it takes is for you to have faith in me, and we can share the experience together.
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: BILLY ROSE, E.Y. HARBURG, HAROLD ARLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sick45hitcombo
Thanks for uploading Carla White music. Crazy how hard it still is to find her music online.
JoJo's Bizarre Music Library
Ifkr