ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: It's a honky tonk parade.

Avangi — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:52:57 GMT

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.

Re: It's a honky tonk parade.

Angliholic — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:33:35 GMT

Avangi
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.

Thanks, Feebs and Aavangi.
By the way, what does "a Barnum and Bailey world" refer to?

Re: It's a honky tonk parade.

Avangi — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:58:40 GMT

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.

Re: It's a honky tonk parade.

Feebs11 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:00:07 GMT

It is probably a parade with jazz being played.

See here for information on the term "honky-tonk" - http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/honky-tonk

It's a honky tonk parade.

Angliholic — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:56:49 GMT

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.