Pictures Of Me

Elliott Smith's song 'Pictures Of Me' delves into the complexities of self-perception and the pressures of external judgment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their own identity, feeling trapped by the expectations and criticisms of others. The opening lines, 'Start stop and start / Stupid acting smart,' suggest a cycle of trying to fit in or appear a certain way, only to feel foolish and insincere. This theme of self-deception and the struggle to meet societal standards is a recurring motif throughout the song.

The chorus, 'So sick and tired of all these pictures of me / Completely wrong / Totally wrong,' highlights the frustration and disillusionment with how one is perceived. The 'pictures' can be interpreted as metaphorical representations of the persona that others see, which the narrator feels are inaccurate and misleading. This sense of being misunderstood or misrepresented is a powerful commentary on the human experience of feeling disconnected from one's true self.

Smith's lyrics also touch on the darker aspects of this struggle, with lines like 'Everybody's dying just to get the disease.' This could be seen as a critique of the lengths people go to in order to conform to societal norms, even if it means sacrificing their well-being. The repeated phrase 'I'm not surprised and really, why should I be?' suggests a resignation to this harsh reality, underscoring the pervasive nature of these pressures. Through 'Pictures Of Me,' Elliott Smith offers a poignant exploration of the internal and external battles that shape our self-image and the often painful journey towards self-acceptance.