Photograph
Boyce Avenue
The Enduring Power of Love in 'Photograph'
The song 'Photograph' by Boyce Avenue, a band known for their emotive acoustic covers and original songs, delves into the bittersweet nature of love and the memories it creates. The lyrics speak to the pain and joy that loving someone can bring, acknowledging that while love can hurt, it is also a fundamental aspect of the human experience that brings vitality to life. The song suggests that love is not only a source of happiness but also a healing force that can mend one's soul.
The metaphor of keeping love 'in a photograph' captures the essence of preserving memories. These memories are depicted as pure and unchanging, with 'eyes never closing' and 'hearts never broken,' suggesting a longing for the moments when love was at its peak, untainted by the passage of time or life's hardships. The imagery of being kept 'inside the pocket of your ripped jeans' or 'inside the necklace you got when you were sixteen' conveys a sense of intimacy and the desire to keep loved ones close, even when they are physically apart.
The song also touches on the theme of resilience in the face of emotional pain. The line 'And if you hurt me that's okay baby, only words bleed' implies that emotional wounds can heal, and that the strength of love can endure beyond the hurt. The repeated plea to 'wait for me to come home' emphasizes the commitment and hope that underpin a loving relationship, even through separation and challenges.