Photograph

Natalie Merchant & Michael Stipe

Photograph

I found this photograph
Underneath the picture glass
Tender face of black and white
Beautiful, a haunting sight

Looked into an angels smile
Captivated all the while
From the hair and clothes she wore
I'd place her in between the wars

Was she willing when she sat?
Posed the pretty photograph
Save her flowering and fair
Days to come, days to share
A big smile for the camera

How did she know?
The moment could be lost forever
Forever more

I found this photograph
Stashed between the old joist walls
In a place where time is lost
Lost behind, where all things fall

Broken books and calendars
Letters script in careful hand
Music too, a standard tune by
Some forgotten big brass band

From the threshold what's to see
Of our brave new century?
The television's just a dream
Radio, silver screen
Big smile for the camera

How did she know?
The moment could be lost forever
Forever more

Was her childhood filled with rhymes
Stolen hooks, impassioned crimes?
Was she innocent or blind
To the cruelty of her time?

Was she fearful in her day
Was she hopeful, did she pray?
Were there skeletons inside
Family secrets, sworn to hide?

Did she feel the beat that stirs
The fall from grace of wayward girls?
Was she tempted to pretend
The love and laughter, until the end?