It's Only A Paper Moon
John Pizzarelli Trio 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" by John Pizzarelli is a representation of the power of love and imagination. The lyrics suggest that even though everything around us may seem fake, insignificant, or not real, our belief in someone can make things very real. The paper moon and cardboard sea mentioned in the song are representations of this - they are not real, but if you believe in it, they can become real.
Pizzarelli sings that without his love, life is like a honky-tonk parade or a melody played in a penny arcade. The meaning of this is that life has a dull, mechanical aspect to it, devoid of love and genuine emotion. However, if you believe in someone, even a circus-like world that's phony can be made real.
The song represents the idea that love can make everything real and beautiful. It suggests that even though things might look bleak, one shouldn't give up the hope of finding love or a partner who could make everything worthwhile.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, it's only a paper moon
I understand that this world may seem like it's fake and fragile
Sailing over a cardboard sea
Everything seems temporary and replaceable
But it wouldn't be make-believe
But it could be genuine
If you believed in me
If you trust and confide in me
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
The sky appears grand, but is nothing more than a painted backdrop
Hanging over a muslin tree
Trees are only props in this stage of life
Without your love
If I didn't have your love
It's a honky-tonk parade
Life is a noisy, cheap exhibition
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
Life is like a tune blaring from a coin-operated music box
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
Life is a circus, full of extravagant but insincere displays
Just as phony as it can be
All this is completely fake
But it wouldn't be make-believe
But it could be genuine
If you believed in me
If you trust and confide in me
It's phony it's plain to see
The world is clearly fake
How happy I would be
But I would be so happy
If you believed in me
If you trust and confide in me
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, 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.