It's Only A Paper Moon
Reg Owen and His Orchestra Lyrics


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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

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

Overall Meaning

The song "It's Only a Paper Moon" by Reg Owen and His Orchestra is a romantic tune that conveys the message that the world may be artificial and fabricated but if there is love and belief, there is always a way to find happiness. The lyrics compare the world to a fake and phony place, but suggests that it can transform into a utopia if someone believes in another person. The idea of a "paper moon" and a "canvas sky" suggests that the beauty is temporary and there is an illusion in the world, but delusion can lead to healing the soul. It is all about the perception of a someone who loves a person and is ready to embrace the surreal for love's sake. Without love, there is only a "honky tonk parade" that lacks meaning and value.


This song delivers an inspiring message about the power of love and the influence of the mind on the outlook of life. It also depicts how the external world is artificial and deceptive, and suggests that it can take a different turn if someone else cares. The sentiment is inspiring and romantic and suggests that there is still hope to transform a hollow parade into a miracle under the influence of love.


Line by Line Meaning

Say, it's only a paper moon
Let me clarify, it is solely a mere representation of a celestial body made of paper


Sailing over a cardboard sea
Drifting on top of a simulated aquatic surface constructed from cardboard


But it wouldn't be make-believe
However, this fabrication wouldn't be a mere illusion


If you believed in me
If you had confidence in me, this would be a genuine experience


Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Indeed, it is simply a painting of a firmament overhead


Hanging over a muslin tree
Suspending above a cotton fabric tree


Without your love
In the absence of your affection


It's a honky tonk parade
It becomes an unsophisticated, raucous procession


It's a melody played in a penny arcade
It transforms into a tune emanating from a cheap amusement center


It's a Barnum and Bailey world
It's a circus-like, carnivalesque globe


Just as phony as it can be
Merely as artificial and fabricated as possible


But it wouldn't be make-believe
Nonetheless, it wouldn't be a false impression


If you believed in me
That is if you trusted in me and my love


It's phony it's plain to see
It's quite obvious that this is artificially created


How happy I would be
I would be elated if


If you believed in me
If only you had confidence and faith in me




Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: BILLY ROSE, E.Y. HARBURG, HAROLD ARLEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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