It's Only A Paper Moon
The John Pizzarelli Trio 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 John Pizzarelli Trio's "It's Only a Paper Moon" is a song about the power of love to transform mundane things around us into a source of hope and joy. The song uses various metaphors such as "paper moon," "canvas sky," "muslin tree," and "Barnum and Bailey world" to describe the artificiality and illusion of the world around us. However, according to the singer, these illusions can become real if one believes in love. The singer believes that true love can make a cardboard sea and a canvas sky seem far more beautiful than they actually are. Without love, the world becomes a dark place- a "honky-tonk parade," and music played in a penny arcade.
The overarching theme of the song is the power of subjective perception. One's own beliefs and attitudes can alter the way one sees the world. The singer is essentially trying to tell his beloved that if she believes in love, then the world will instantly become a better place. The song is a beautiful rendition of the power of love to uplift and transform our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, it's only a paper moon
Let me tell you, this moon is not real, it's just a paper cut-out.
Sailing over a cardboard sea
This fake moon is floating over a sea made out of cardboard.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
It would not be a mere fantasy if,
If you believed in me
Only if you had faith and trust in me.
Yes, it's only a canvas sky
Indeed, this sky above us is just painted on canvas.
Hanging over a muslin tree
It seems to be hanging over a tree made of muslin fabric.
Without your love
If I don't have your love,
It's a honky tonk parade
Everything would just be nonsense and chaotic.
It's a melody played in a penny arcade
It would be like a repetitive tune played in some cheap arcade.
It's a Barnum and Bailey world
This world is full of deception and lies.
Just as phony as it can be
Everything is as fake as it can possibly get.
But it wouldn't be make-believe
But if we had faith in each other,
If you believed in me
If only you could really trust and believe in me.
It's phony it's plain to see
Everything is fake and can be seen through easily.
How happy I would be
It would be a great joy to me if,
If you believed in me
You could only believe in me.
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: BILLY ROSE, E.Y. HARBURG, HAROLD ARLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@castellanodrclaudio
..............................ma che bravi, fantastici, travolgenti!
Un trio davvero eccezionale, per fantasia, inventiva , estro e creatività musicale così ammaliante, trainante e travolgente che ristora il corpo, l'anima e la mente di tutti quegli appassionati del jazz e dello "swing in particolare, un Trio così ben amalgamato che suscita, in chi li ascolta, quel naturale ed Universale sentimento dell'anima che si chiama "Emozione!!
Bravi, bravi davvero!!
I miei sentiti complimenti al " Big " John Pizzarelli , al pianista altrettanto bravo ed infine al contrabbassista, un vero fenomeno!!i
Tre Big messi insieme.
E dici poco?
C.Castellano, Italia
.......... but how good, fantastic, overwhelming!
A truly exceptional trio, for imagination, inventiveness, flair and musical creativity so bewitching, driving and overwhelming that it restores the body, soul and mind of those who listen to them (and who are all those fans of jazz and swing in particular ), arousing in them that natural and Universal feeling of the soul which is called "Emotion !!
Well done, really good !!
My heartfelt congratulations to the "Big" John Pizzarelli, to the equally good pianist and finally to the double bass player, a real phenomenon !!
Three Big put together.
And you say little?
C. Castellano, Italy
@felipegonzalez7304
Dear Mr. Pizzarelli,
I just heard about your papa, Bucky. Please accept condolences from a fan of his and yours. I hope he's in a better place making beautiful music. God speed to you and yours!
Yours truly,
Felipe Gonzalez
@lesliethomas5845
wow!!!! marvelous
Both J Pizzarelli & Konrad P
@Brad4Ellis
An impressive nearly note-for-note transcription of the great Nat King Cole Trio guitar & piano 1st chorus, complete with NKC’s modulation, as well as the outro and many of his wonderful vocal mannerisms. I share John’s absorbing fandom of NKC and Oscar Moore.
@LenaLee0304
I listened to this song on Blue Note(NY) last Sunday. Amazing~ So happy!!!!!!
@claudioborrone5256
John, greatings from Argentina. I think that you are one of the greatest musicians of all the times...
@thatguyyoudontknow
4700 subs......I'll never understand the world today
True love and joy in music, the Pizarellis. Amazing.
@rodoficiati
LIGHT UP, what a bless musicians like you, also my condolences for father Bucky, i lost my dad 2 years ago, and remembers him a lot everyday, so hope you and pizzarelli family is ok, love your tunes, almost like ritual listen to you and other "italian mafia" jazz players... Big hug from and inspired brazilian musician by you. God Bless.
@jasonsteffek9265
Having lost a loved one recently, this and other video's I have watched of you and your father...have hit the spot. Thank you. Be safe.
@laurielyon7740
My condolences on the passing of your father. That he was a legendary musician is noteworthy. But that he was reputed to be a wonderful person and outstanding gentleman is perhaps an even greater legacy. His life well lived and enjoyed by many.
@roxyroxburgh9566
Absolutely BRILLIANT!!! I love the Nat King Cole trio. The interplay between Nat and Oscar M was just wonderful. Your trio is just Fab. Thank you.