(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.