Its Only A Paper Moon - James Taylor. - Leagueoftheirown.1992s (originalsoundtrack) Apr 2026

James Taylor 's recording of the 1933 jazz standard is a featured track on the A League of Their Own (1992) Soundtrack . This version, produced and arranged by Don Grolnick , captures a mellow, swing-era vibe that fits the film's 1940s setting. Song Overview

James Taylor later re-recorded this song for his 2020 album American Standard , which has a slightly different acoustic arrangement. Musical Structure & Style James Taylor 's recording of the 1933 jazz

Follow a ii-V-I structure typical of jazz, often moving through G - E7 - Am7 - D7 (if playing in G). Musical Structure & Style Follow a ii-V-I structure

Use a "four-to-the-bar" rhythm or light fingerstyle "chord grabs" to mimic the swing-style acoustic guitar heard in the recording. Key Lyrics "Say, it's only a paper moon / Sailing

Shifts to a slightly more minor feel: Am7 - Gdim - Bm - Am7 - D7 - G .

"Say, it's only a paper moon / Sailing over a cardboard sea / But it wouldn't be make-believe / If you believed in me."

In his later American Standard version, Taylor plays it in Key of A with a Capo on the 2nd fret (sounding in B). Chord Progression Ideas: