The lyrics focus on the protagonist looking at an old photograph, reflecting on the good memories and emotions associated with it. He is transported back in time, reliving the feelings of joy, happiness, and love that he experienced in the past. However, the song also carries an undertone of sadness and longing, suggesting that those memories are now tinged with regret and nostalgia.
The chorus emphasizes the vividness and nostalgia associated with the photograph:
"Look at this photograph,
Every time I do it makes me laugh.
How did our eyes get so red?
And what the hell is on Joey's head?"
The protagonist focuses on specific details within the photograph, like Joey's unusual hat or the red, presumably teary eyes of the people in the picture, suggesting a shared emotional experience or an event that brought them all together. The photograph serves as a trigger for an emotional journey that combines laughter, tears, and a sense of nostalgia.
The song's emotional resonance stems from its ability to tap into universal themes of loss, longing, and the passage of time. It conveys the idea that even though time moves on and certain moments become part of the past, they can still hold immense emotional weight and significance. The song's nostalgic tone suggests that the speaker deeply values and misses those past moments and the people associated with them.
"Photograph" resonates with listeners because it encapsulates the bittersweet emotions that accompany memories, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the people and moments we hold dear.