It's Only A Paper Moon

King Crimson · Other Songs - King Crimson

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.

It's Only A Paper Moon - King Crimson

King Crimson's "It's Only A Paper Moon" stands as a defining track within the band's progressive rock canon, showcasing their signature blend of complex time signatures and atmospheric textures. Recorded during the late 1960s, the song exemplifies the group's evolution from hard rock into intricate studio compositions. Featuring the distinctive interplay between guitar and bass, the recording captures the raw energy and technical proficiency that characterized King Crimson's early work. While often associated with the band's later, more experimental phases, this track remains a testament to their foundational style and enduring influence on the genre. The piece serves as a pivotal moment in the band's discography, reflecting the creative direction that would define their legacy in progressive rock history.