It's Only A Paper Moon
J.J. Johnson with Al Grey 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
The song "It's Only A Paper Moon" is a classic tune that speaks of the magic of believing in love. The lyrics suggest that even though the world may seem fake and illusory, it becomes real and meaningful when two individuals believe in each other. The first verse speaks of a paper moon sailing over a cardboard sea, and a canvas sky hanging over a muslin tree. The second verse ruminates about the honky-tonk parade and the melody played in a penny arcade, emphasizing that without love, life is meaningless and phony. The final verse sums up the song's main message- the world may be fake and phony, but if you believe in someone, love can make it real and magical.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, it's only a paper moon
This moon is not real, it's made of paper.
Sailing over a cardboard sea
The sea may be made of cardboard, but it's still beautiful to me.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
Even though it's not real, it can still be wonderful.
If you believed in me
If you have faith in me and my feelings, we can make it real.
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
The sky may be made of canvas, but it's still breathtaking to look at.
Hanging over a muslin tree
This tree may not be real, but it's still providing shade and beauty.
Without your love
If I don't have your love, everything feels empty and meaningless.
It's a honky-tonk parade
Life is just a loud and chaotic mess without your love.
Without your love
Again, I need your love to feel complete and happy.
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
Life is just a cheap and repetitive game without your love.
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
The world can be a circus, filled with fakes and frauds.
Just as phony as it can be
Everything can seem fake and hollow without someone to believe in.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
Even though it's not real, it can still be wonderful.
If you believed in me
If you have faith in me and my feelings, we can make it real.
It's phony it's plain to see
Everything can seem fake and shallow without your love.
How happy I would be
If you believed in me and my feelings, I would be so happy and fulfilled.
If you believed in me
Again, my happiness and fulfillment depend on your belief in me and our love.
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: BILLY ROSE, E.Y. HARBURG, HAROLD ARLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind