It's a honky tonk parade.

It's a honky tonk parade.


Hi,
What kind of parade is a honky tonk parade? Could you shed some light in a few words? Thanks.

I don't know anything about a few words!

I learned my definition many years ago from the song Paper Moon.  (I'll remember as many words as I can)

Oh it's only a paper moon/ hanging over a cardboard sea/ but it wouldn't be make-believe/ if you believed in me.
(can't remember the next set)
[bridge] 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.

i.e., unreal  -  "just going through the motions"

  - A.

At one time the two greatest circuses in the world were Ringling Brothers, and Barnum and Bailey.  In the 50's they combined into one big circus.  P.T. Barnum was famous for expressions like, "There's a sucker born every minute," and "Never give a sucker an even break." 

In addition to extremely talented performers, there were often side shows (also in carnivals) featuring unnatural and "freak" acts, many of which were phony, creating an "unreal" or "unbelievable" atmosphere.

In the song, (without your love) the world is only make-believe, like a circus.

  - A.