It
The Dave Brubeck Quartet 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 Dave Brubeck Quartet's song It is a beautiful and timeless piece of music that delves into the concept of make-believe and the power of belief. The lyrics are simple and catchy, and the melody is upbeat and joyful. The song is about a world that is phony and make-believe, but it also suggests that if one believes in another person, that world can be transformed into a genuine and authentic one.


The first verse talks about a paper moon sailing over a cardboard sea, which are both obviously not real. However, the songwriter suggests that if someone were to believe in them, they could become real. The second verse refers to a canvas sky hanging over a muslin tree, which again are not real. However, the songwriter suggests that if someone believed in them, they could become real as well. The chorus talks about how without love, the world can be cold and phony, with even music reduced to background noise in a penny arcade. However, the songwriter suggests that with love and belief in each other, the world can become something genuine and wonderful.


The song's message is a powerful one that suggests that people have the ability to transform their world and turn it into something beautiful simply by believing in each other. It is a call to empathy, hope, and the power of the human spirit. The Dave Brubeck Quartet's song It is a beautiful melody, with thoughtful and memorable lyrics that make it a classic song.


Line by Line Meaning

Say, it's only a paper moon
This world might seem unreal to you


Sailing over a cardboard sea
But there is nothing profound or elegant about it


But it wouldn't be make-believe
However, this surreal world can be made real


If you believed in me
If only you would put your trust in me


Yes, it's only a canvas sky
This sky is also just a mere imitation


Hanging over a muslin tree
It is not the true sky, but a painted facade


Without your love
Without your affection and attention


It's a honky tonk parade
The world is nothing more than a pointless show


Without your love
In the absence of your devotion


It's a melody played in a penny arcade
Life is like music in a cheap, noisy amusement park


It's a Barnum and Bailey world
The world is like a circus, with all its fakery and deception


Just as phony as it can be
There is nothing genuine or sincere about this world


But it wouldn't be make-believe
Despite all its superficiality


If you believed in me
This world can be transformed, if only you had faith in us


It's phony it's plain to see
This world is utterly fake and transparent


How happy I would be
I could be happy if only you would truly love me


If you believed in me
If only you had faith in my love




Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Rose, E. Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@eight50

@virajs Don’t really know that much, but you could try Bill Evans Trio https://youtu.be/uco5FNbjqv0

Or maybe John Coltrane with Stan Getz is very cool:
https://youtu.be/pc6CWfBgIt8

Or for something a little later maybe Kieth Jarrett:
https://youtu.be/gJOPahb8TkE
Jack is sensational drummer.

Hope you enjoy



All comments from YouTube:

@waltsnow1762

Bought this album when I was 19, I'm 77 now. My girl friend and I loved jazz and now she has been my wife for the last 54 years! We still love jazz !

@habibelhassani8656

Long happy life still ahead

@marcushartmann4545

Music saves the World

@MrNess2911

Congrats!😃

@acceptinglife6491

I heard this song in 2012, sang it as a jazz vocalist group in high school

@LunaAmyOchoa

We all love you. 💞

36 More Replies...

@user-mr2bk7ku9x

I swear Joe Morello was a metronome in his past life. Dude did NOT miss A SINGLE BEAT. Perfect timing through and through. Holy shit.

@williebrooks5085

I get the feeling of the commentors just it's just give me a feeling rush and passion magnetic!!!!

@michaelcharlong5645

It's arguably one of the best live recordings of all time.

@CorePathway

Ann Wilson covering Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center honors, at age 64 would like a word with you. If you’ve not seen it, go there now and thank me later.

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