It's Only A Paper Moon
Laini Risto Lyrics
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Hanging over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn't be make believe
If you believe in me
It is only a canvas sky
Sailing 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
On 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 believe in me
Without your love
It's a honky tonk parade
Without your love
It's a melody played
On 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 believe in me
In "It's Only A Paper Moon," Laini Risto sings about how a world of make-believe can come to life when two people share a strong bond. The paper moon and cardboard sea represent the nature of the world that exists in the imagination, a world that is not real. However, Risto says that the world of make-believe can become real if the person believes in them. If someone believes in their love, then the world that they imagine together can become a reality.
The canvas sky and muslin tree represent more of these imaginative visuals, and all these elements combine to create a world of make-believe. Risto highlights the importance of love in this world of make-believe. She asserts that without love, the world of make-believe becomes a mere honky-tonk parade, a melody played on a penny arcade, and just as phony as a Barnum and Bailey circus. But with love, this world of make-believe can come to life, which becomes the central message of the song.
Overall, "It's Only A Paper Moon" is about the power of imagination and love between two people. The song suggests that when two people believe in each other and their dreams, the impossible can become possible.
Line by Line Meaning
It is only a paper moon
Life can be fragile and fleeting, like a paper moon.
Hanging over a cardboard sea
The world we live in can feel flimsy and artificial, like a cardboard sea.
But it wouldn't be make believe
Just because something is temporary or intangible, doesn't mean it's not real.
If you believe in me
When we have someone to believe in, even a paper moon can feel meaningful.
It is only a canvas sky
The sky, like life itself, is a creation of art and imagination.
Sailing over a muslin tree
Nature can be soft and delicate, like a muslin tree.
But it wouldn't be make believe
We can find beauty and wonder in the world, even if it's all an illusion.
If you believe in me
With faith and trust, we can find joy in even the unlikeliest of places.
Without your love
When we are alone, life can feel empty and meaningless.
It's a honky tonk parade
The world can be loud and chaotic, like a honky tonk parade.
It's a melody played
In the absence of love, everything becomes a monotonous tune.
On a penny arcade
The world can feel like an impersonal, mechanical game of chance.
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
The world can feel like a never-ending circus, full of spectacle and deception.
Just as phony as it can be
In a world that revolves around money and power, authenticity can be hard to come by.
But it wouldn't be make believe
Despite the superficiality of the world, we can still find genuine connections.
If you believe in me
With love and trust, we can see past the illusions of the world and find true meaning.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., S.A. MUSIC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: BILLY ROSE, E. Y. HARBURG, HAROLD ARLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind