Photograph

Air's song 'Photograph' delves into the intoxicating allure of fame and the almost divine reverence that society bestows upon celebrities. The lyrics open with the lines 'God would like to own your autograph' and 'The angels cry to have your photograph,' immediately elevating the subject to a celestial status. This metaphor suggests that the person in question is so revered that even divine beings desire a piece of their essence. The use of religious imagery underscores the almost worshipful adoration that fans can have for their idols.

The lines 'As if you were all sweetness and light' and 'As fortune favours fools by candle light' introduce a layer of irony. While the subject is idolized, there is an underlying suggestion that this adoration may be misplaced or superficial. The phrase 'fortune favours fools' implies that luck, rather than merit, often plays a significant role in achieving fame. The candlelight imagery evokes a sense of fleetingness, hinting that this adoration is temporary and perhaps not as substantial as it appears.

The song continues with 'Put your record on the phonograph' and 'Look at your position on the map,' which bring the focus back to the tangible aspects of fame—records, charts, and maps. These lines serve as a reminder that fame is not just an abstract concept but also a measurable and marketable commodity. The phonograph, an old-fashioned device for playing music, may also symbolize nostalgia, suggesting that the subject's fame might be rooted in a bygone era. Overall, 'Photograph' by Air offers a nuanced commentary on the ephemeral and often superficial nature of fame, wrapped in a dreamy, ethereal soundscape characteristic of the band's style.