It's Only a Paper Moon
Stargazers Lyrics

Say, it's only a paper moon
The singer acknowledges that the object in question is not real, but merely an illusion.

Sailing over a cardboard sea
The fake moon is set against a likewise, artificial background.

But it wouldn't be make-believe
The singer insists that it could be real -- but only if someone else believes in it too.

If you believed in me
The artist asserts that if the listener would trust in them, the illusion could become a reality.

Yes, it's only a canvas sky
The artist again points out the artificial nature of the world.

Hanging over a muslin tree
The sky continues to be set against a fake backdrop.

Without your love
The singer sings of how miserable they feel when separated from their romantic partner.

It's a honky tonk parade
The world seems chaotic and without purpose without the person the artist loves at their side.

It's a melody played in a penny arcade
The artist mournfully acknowledges the cheap and false nature of their existence without their beloved.

It's a Barnum and Bailey world
The world is compared to a circus, chaotic and full of illusions.

Just as phony as it can be
The singer emphasizes the fakeness of the world around them.

But it wouldn't be make-believe
The artist insists again that the illusion could be real, if only the listener believes in it too.

If you believed in me
The singer continues to assert that trust between the two of them can change the nature of their world.

It's phony it's plain to see
The singer restates the falseness of the world around them.

How happy I would be
The singer suggests that if the listener trusts them and joins in their illusion, it would make them incredibly happy.

If you believed in me
The artist concludes again that belief in each other will be the key to their happiness.