James Taylor's song "It's Only A Paper Moon" is a cover of a popular jazz standard originally written by Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg, and Billy Rose. The lyrics describe a world that is artificial and make-believe, but the narrator suggests that it can become real if someone believes in it. The song starts by painting a picture of a paper moon sailing over a cardboard sea. This imagery suggests that the world being portrayed is not real but is instead a fabrication. However, the narrator suggests that if someone believes in them, these elements can become genuine. This idea conveys the power of belief and the transformative nature of love and support from another person. The second verse introduces a canvas sky hanging over a muslin tree, further emphasizing the artificiality of the world described. Again, the narrator expresses that this make-believe world could become real if the listener believes in the narrator. The chorus emphasizes the importance of love in making this artificial world meaningful. Without love, the world is compared to a honky tonk parade or a melody played in a penny arcade – both associated with superficial and empty experiences. The chorus suggests that love is necessary to give purpose and authenticity to this fabricated world. The final verse acknowledges that the world being described is like the Barnum and Bailey circus, which was known for its extravagant and illusory performances. The narrator acknowledges the phoniness of this world but asserts that it can still become genuine if there is belief. Overall, the song's lyrics speak to the power of belief, particularly in the context of love. It suggests that by believing in someone, their dreams, and the reality they create, one can give meaning and authenticity to an otherwise artificial world.
