It's Only a Paper Moon
Dottie Reid, Benny Goodman & His Orchestra, Benny Goodman
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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
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Written by: Billy Rose, E. Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
8 facts about this song
Historical Fact"It's Only a Paper Moon" was composed by Harold Arlen in 1933 for the Broadway play called "The Great Magoo". The lyrics for the song were written by Billy Rose and E. Y. Harburg.
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Performance FactBenny Goodman, also known as the "King of Swing", did a version of "It's Only a Paper Moon". Goodman was a talented jazz and swing musician, widely known for his clarinet performance.
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Interpretation FactCliff Edwards, known as "Ukulele Ike", was one of the early singers to record "It's Only a Paper Moon". His interpretation is unique because Edwards is renowned for his ukulele performance and his unique singing style.
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Artist FactOver time, "It's Only a Paper Moon" has been covered by many artists but most notably, Ella Fitzgerald performed it. Ella, known as the "First Lady of Song", is one of the leading figures in the history of jazz, and her version of the song is highly acclaimed.
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Cultural FactThe song became highly popular during World War II, much due to the version by Nat King Cole. Cole was an influential figure in jazz and pop music in the 20th century and his rendition of the song became a big hit.
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Musical FactPaul Whiteman's Orchestra also recorded "It's Only a Paper Moon". Whiteman was a leading figure in the introduction of jazz to mainstream audiences, and his version of the song represents a bridge between the traditional orchestra and modern jazz standards.
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Song FactsThe song's lyrics refer to a paper moon and cardboard sea, metaphors for illusion and frailty of dreams. The song speaks in the first person about the power of love to transform the world, suggesting that life without love is an illusory or flimsy as a paper moon or cardboard sea.
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Legacy FactDespite written for a now mostly forgotten play, "It's Only a Paper Moon" has achieved a legacy far beyond the stage. Its memorable melody and timeless lyrics have made it a standard in the American Songbook, covered by a diverse array of artists across different genres and generations.
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"It's Only a Paper Moon Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/33440609/Benny+Goodman/It%27s+Only+a+Paper+Moon>.
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