Hodges was apparently aware of this effect, leaving the Ellington orchestra in the 1950's, to be replaced by the stellar alto man, Willie Smith, formerly the lead alto star of the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. This situation somehow benefitted neither Ellington or Hodges, with the Ellington orchestra losing a certain luster despite Mr. Smith's excellence, and with major stardom just beyond Mr. Hodges' reach.
Luckily for the listener the recordings Mr. Hodges left behind as a leader, while arguably eluding stardom for the artist at the time, are nonpareil examples of relaxed swing, subtle inflection and perfect phrasing, peerless tone and seemingly effortless technique. More luck for the listener, Mr. Hodges later rejoined the Ellington fold, returning a signature sound to the orchestra's unique palette for many years after.
It has been reported that the Ellington orchestra worked nearly 365 days a year. When asked about this grueling schedule Mr. Ellington said something to the effect that he would settle for nothing less than the finest artists for his orchestra. What with the necessarily high salaries accorded an orchestra of virtuosos, the band had to work often in order to survive. Certainly no one in the Ellington orchestra more exemplified Mr. Ellington's highest standards than Johhny Hodges.
It's Only A Paper Moon
Johnny Hodges 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" was originally written by Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg and Billy Rose in 1932 and later recorded by Johnny Hodges and Wild Bill Davis in 1945. The song speaks of the power of belief and the ability for imagination to bring about a sense of reality that wouldn't otherwise exist. The lyrics suggest that even though life may appear to be artificial and fabricated, it can still hold meaning and value as long as one has someone who believes in them.
The song plays on the idea of the circus world as metaphor for life with its whimsical and mystical feel. The phrase "It's a Barnum and Bailey world" references the famous circus duo of Barnum and Bailey and suggests that the world is just as phony as a circus, but it can still bring joy if there is someone to believe in. The lyrics describe a make-believe world and suggest that if there is someone to believe in, then that world can be just as real as anything else.
The song also describes the feeling of loss and emptiness one experiences without love. The statement "Without your love, it's a honky tonk parade" suggests that without love, life can be chaotic and meaningless, like the chaotic music of a honky tonk. The song finishes with a plea for belief and emphasizes the power of belief to shape one's reality. The lyrics "How happy I would be, If you believed in me" suggest that the singer's happiness is dependent on the belief and love of another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, it's only a paper moon
Let me clarify, this is just a metaphor, implying that our dreams and desires could be as flimsy, temporary, and insignificant as a paper moon.
Sailing over a cardboard sea
This is another metaphor that emphasizes how unrealistic and unsupported our desires and aspirations could be, even no matter how perfect they may seem.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
It's true that my aspirations do not have any real foundation, but for me to bring them to life, all I simply need is your support and belief in me.
If you believed in me
If you had faith and trust in my abilities and my aspirations, we could make these imaginary possibilities a reality.
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Another metaphor that alludes to the illusion of our dreams and hopes being strung up like a painting on a blank canvas.
Hanging over a muslin tree
A muslin tree is a plain textile, a straightforward incorporation that underlines cold realism as the barely concealed basis of our desires.
Without your love
If I don't have your support and backing, even my brightest visions and aspirations would feel pointless.
It's a honky tonk parade
All my dreams, which would be like a lively parade of dreams, will feel dull, boring, and meaningless when you are not around.
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
Again, it's an analogy underlining that without you, our dreams won't be as cheerful and lively, but more like a monotonous song played in a boring penny arcade.
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
The reference is to the Barnum and Bailey circus, which was the equivalent of a big illusionist show. It means the world is full of deception and is not what it seems to be.
Just as phony as it can be
The world is fake and full of pretenses, and our dreams also follow this example, which goes on to show that we can't approach it with our ordinary consciousness.
It's phony it's plain to see
Reiterating the previous metaphor, it's evident that the world is wholly contrived to convince people into believing the illusory nature of their hopes.
How happy I would be
The artist underscores the importance of substance and reliance that one has to put in the person they believe in.
If you believed in me
By emphasizing the importance of faith, trust, and support for one's dreams and aspirations, the artist underlines the importance of backing oneself completely, which can only happen when one has faith in one's choice.
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: BILLY ROSE, E.Y. HARBURG, HAROLD ARLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind