(harold arlen, billy rose, e. y. harburg)


Said it is only a paper moon
Sailing over a cardboard sea,
But it wouldn't be make believe
If you believed in me.


Say it is 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.


~interlude~


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.