Okay, so after a couple day of dealing with the fallout from the recent Kodachrome announcement , that damn Paul Simon song has permanently etched itself into my brain. To save my sanity, I thought it might be fun if we could come up with other songs that are about (or even mention) photos or photography. My first vote is "Picturebook" by the Kinks. Was actually used in a clever Epson (I think) commercial a few years back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjDu3E5zDks
I can't think of a single song about photography except for Paul Simon's classic. Nor are there any songs about going to Sears and buying a Kenmore washer and dryer. I wonder, why is that?
I happen to like Jim Carroll's I Want the Angels , which has this verse: I want the angel Whose bones are so sharp That they can break through their own excuses Well, to be a blind man, Hey, that would be a fine thing Then I could dream at night of total strangers And all the music would be so spaceless And all the women would be so faceless, They'd be so faceless they'd be like old film Just like old film I never did process
"Photograph" by Def Leppard: (WARNING! Bad song! BAD video!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ5bS3_BCDs
Here's a good (good meaning bad in this instance) one, "Freeze Frame" J. Geils Band Thursday morning was a hot flash-factor Her face still focused in my mind Test-strip proof-sheet love is hard to find Friday night we'll dance the spotlight grind Stop-time heart for me if she's not minehttp://www.imeem.com/jukeboxmusic18/music/utWwShok/j-geils-band-freeze-frame/
I'm going to data-mine SXSW for a minute... 1. Bishop Allen's "Click click click click" They released it as their single from SXSW 2007 and Sony picked it up for a camera commercial later that year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LpmrZbTu1o 2. Elephone's "The Camera Behind the Camera Behind the Camera" http://2008.sxsw.com/music/showcases/band/3919.html 3. 13Ghosts have a song just called "Photographs" http://sxsw.com/music/shows/schedule/?a=show&s=6070 Take all these photographs And throw them away I'm not half the man that I was Back in the day
The English lyrics to the bossa nova song Desafinado contains the following: I took your picture with my trusty Rolleiflex And now all I have developed is a complexThe original lyrics were by Newton Mendonça. The English lyrics were by Jon Hendricks and Jessie Cavanaugh
"Picture in a Frame" by Tom Waits (and covered by plenty of other people): (not an official video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywT8WXKHTkI&feature=related
There was the horrible, horrible Nickelback song "Photograph," popular a couple of years ago. I ashamed even to have remembered it. JR
I noted recently that Walkabout by Red Hot Chili Peppers would make a great photowalk theme song: "A detective of perspective I / Need to try and get a bigger eye"
Aw shucks, even though it may seem like I post a link to this about every week, my favorite film song is still Nina Hagen's Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen (link ). The link is the original as performed on East German TV, note the sponsor is the DDR Travel Service.
I've had Kodachrome also stuck in my head the last few days. The cure was to listen to it so I would stop guessing at all the lyricks. Didn't work going to try listening to Jazz or Classical to clear the mind.
Beatles: A Day In The Life I read the news today oh, boy About a lucky man who made the grade And though the news was rather sad Well, i just had to laugh I saw the photograph He blew his mind out in a car He didn't notice that the lights had changed A crowd of people stood and stared They'd seen his face before Nobody was really sure if he was from the house of lords I saw a film today oh, boy The english army had just won the war A crowd of people turned away But i just had to look Having read the book I love to turn you on. Woke up, got out of bed Dragged a comb across my head Found my way downstairs and drank a cup And looking up, i noticed i was late Found my coat and grabbed my hat Made the bus in seconds flat Found my way upstairs and had a smoke Somebody spoke and i went into a dream Ah I read the news today oh, boy Four thousand holes in blackburn, lancashire And though the holes were rather small They had to count them all Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the albert hall I'd love to turn you on
Didn't Outkast's "Hey Ya" actually result in Polaroid advising folks not to "shake it like a Polaroid picture" ... in those days when there was such a thing as a Polaroid picture?
Seeing Fred's entry of the Beatles immediately made me think of this one called 'Photograph' written by Ringo Starr and George Harrison. Ev'ry time I see your face, It reminds me of the places we used to go. But all I've got is a photograph, And I realise you're not coming back anymore..... [...] I can't get used to living here, While my heart is broke, my tears I cried for you. I want you here to have and hold, As the years go by and we grow old and grey... But all I've got is a photograph, And I realise you're not coming back anymore..... You can listen to a version here ~ Photograph:Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band
The Prisoner by Howard Jones: You have watched me, safe in your anonymity I have dreamed you, held in your security Some people believe a photograph traps your mortal soul Your eyes were the camera and youve take hold And you captured me I need you to take control I am a prisoner of no confidence Youve entered me now make me whole Every place I go I feel your lenses trained on me This distant concentration takes away my energy Your image burns its negative Behind my waking eyes Then the night comes and you stalk your prize And you captured me I need you to take control I am a prisoner of no confidence Youve entered me now make me whole I am sure there is a video on you tube. It is a pretty cool video...for the 80's.
How about Freeze frame and Centerfold by the J Geils Band? By the way Josh, the way to clear an ear worm(song stuck in your head) is to replace it by singing 99 Luft Balloons by Nena (to yourself please). It's weird but it works and doesn't leave a residue.
Jackson Browne Looking through some photographs I found inside a drawer I was taken by a photograph of you There were one or two I know that you would have liked a little more But they didn't show your spirit quite as true You were turning 'round to see who was behind you And I took your childish laughter by surprise And at the moment that my camera happened to find you There was just a trace of sorrow in your eyes Now the things that I remember seem so distant and so small Though it hasn't really been that long a time What I was seeing wasn't what was happening at all Although for a while, our path did seem to climb But when you see through love's illusions, there lies the danger And your perfect lover just looks like a perfect fool So you go running off in search of a perfect stranger While the loneliness seems to spring from your life Like a fountain from a pool Fountain of sorrow, fountain of light etc Jackson Browne FOUNTAIN OF SORROW lyrics
Another-- "Back on the Chain Gang" The Pretenders. "I found a picture of you. It was the happiest day of my life..."
Paul Simon actually had another song related to photography. It best described using a poor quality manual focus zoom-lens - "slip sliden away...slip slidden away..aaa...you know the near your destination the more 'ya slip slidden awayaa..."
The Verve Pipe - "Photograph" And I thought "Turning Japanese" was about something other than photography...
Michael Jackson - Privacy: "Ain't the pictures enough Why do you go through so much to get the stories you need so you can bury me? ... I need my privacy... so paparazzi get away from me!" Laga Gaga - "Paparazzi" is also good. --Ryan
There's Belle and Sebastian's "Photo Jenny." They got the drugs i could use but then i don't need any All that i want is a photograph of photo jenny How will i get one? i don't know How will i get one? i don't know How will i get her to strike a pose?
Thanks for the Nina Hagen-link, JDM. My favourite too. She later recorded: Ich glotz TV. "Ist alles so schön bunt hier, ich kann mich gar nicht entscheiden". That was after she moved to the west.
Patsy Kline, Shes Got You ( I got your picture, shes got you ), Rod Stewart, Every Picture Tell a Story.
Melanie (of "Brand New Key" fame) also composed and recorded an excellent song called "Photograph," in the mid- to late 1970s. The lyrics start out: The passenger window framed you like a screen, And deep in my mind I was filming a scene, Of the land rushing by, your shades and your hat. I prefer a memory to a photograph.
Randy Travis, (Diggin' up Bones). Really had to dig for this one. Last night I dug your picture out from our old dresser drawer I set it on the table and I talked to it 'til four I read some old love letters right up 'til the break of dawn Yeah I've been sittin' alone diggin' up bones
There was that Kid Rock/Sheryl Crow song "Picture" a few years back. Also there's a song right now by The Last Goodnight "Pictures of You." JR
Freezepop - "Boys on film". Not something I'd recommend going out of your way to listen to, though, unless you happen to like synth pop.
A bit of a downer, but probably appropriate for the end of an era. On the plus side, the video is hawt! She said I'll throw myself away, They're just photos after all I cant make you hang around. I cant wash you off my skin. Outside the frame, is what were leaving out You wont remember anyway I can go with the flow But don't say it doesn't matter anymore I can go with the flow Do you believe it in your head? Queens of The Stone Age Go With the Flow
Originally by George Jones, but couldn't find a video so here it is by Lorrie Morgan, "a Picture of Me Without You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vfjM5C9P0A and even more of a tear jerker, He stopped lovin her today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz2aNifcy20
"Barrelhouse" Jim had a song that got a lot of play down at some of the local beer joints:<P> Mah Mama had a Leica and it were a fine thang,<BR> She done self potrits by pullin on a strang.<BR> The focus were bad but the bokeh were fine.<BR> I sees then in my beer glass all of the time.<p> (Chorus)<BR> Focus on me Mama, focus me fine.<BR> Ah'd like the Leica to focus all the time.<BR> Beam and beer backs keepin' me broke, ah<BR> Git the focus and fergit about the bokeh<BR> Focus on me Mama, one mo' time.<BR> One mo' time Mama, one mo' time.<p> Mah daddy had a Rollei but it were busted,<BR> Couldn't take pics and he were disgusted.<BR> He run off when I were two,<BR> Took mah dawg, Blue, along with him too.<p> (Chorus)<P> Got me a Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III SLR Digital Camera,<BR> But<P> Dang! Can't remember the rest.
Jim Croce, Photographs and Memories: Photographs and memories Christmas cards you sent to me All that I have are these To remember you Memories that come at night Take me to another time Back to a happier day When I called you mine...
I'm showing my Canadian origins: "Photograph" by Blue Rodeo "Pigeon Camera" by The Tragically Hip and one for you jazz fans, the American: "Self Portrait in three colors" by Charles Mingus just might have something to do with photography if you really want it to be.
All the stars watch over you Night and day When you can't stop turning Where’d you go mysterious? So ashamed.... You’ve lost the way again When did we all start Living a world in a photograph? Where I'll find you Waiting for something Hiding in places the shapes of the faces In photographs When the dream are done Look how the tears run... Through my eyes You danced upon the mirror glass On the floor... When the sky was falling Where’d you go my curious? Insecure.... You’ve lost my way again I tried so hard To reflect their hearts And show them that I'm stronger And now I run.... Once went through my head Once was in my head; I'm waiting I'm waiting to go again Once went through my head What once was in my head Is through my eyes Shiny Toy Guns 'Photograph' Love the song and the band...
Can't Get My Lens Over You (by Short People) Lensbaby Loves Lovin' (by The Tight Fits) These Shoots Ain't Made for Talkin' (by Stallone) I Get My Kicks From Your Pain (by Simply Tread)
The other Kinks song - "People Take Pictures of Each Other", I think it was on "Arthur" whilst "Picture Book" was on Village Green Preservation Society.
Yeah, Depeche Mode 'Photograhic Lyrics' from the early '80s: A white house, a white room The program of today Lights on, switch on Your eyes are far away The map represents you And the tape is your voice Follow all along you Till you recognize the choice I take pictures Photographic pictures Bright light, dark room Bright light, dark room ...
Where are the Canadians on this forum? I'm an Aussie ( large island between the Pacific and Indian Oceans ) and I suggest "The Camera Eye" by Canada's finest - Rush. Also "Take a Pebble" by ELP, which has the line "Photographs are grey and torn..." and an album by Italian group Premiata Forneria Marconi called "Photos of Ghosts".
How about that one about "...I keep gettin' richer, but I can't get my picture on the cover of the Rollin' Stone..."
People Take Pictures Of Each Other is on Village Green Preservation Society as well, John. My picks: Polaroids, by Shawn Colvin Picture Perfect Morning by Edie Brickell Cover Of The Rolling Stone by Doctorr Hook
Thanks for a fun thread, Josh! One of my old favorites is I'm Not in Love, by 10cc: ----- I keep your picture upon the wall It hides a nasty stain that's lyin' there So don't you ask me to give it back I know you know it doesn't mean that much to me ----- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo40aTe_3JM
No Stone Temple Pilots fans? Several photographic references in this one... Big Bang Baby I got a picture of a photograph Of a wedding and a shell It's just a burning aching memory I never kiss and tell So turn it up and burn it There's a hole in your head There's a hole in your head Where the bird's can't sing along Does anybody know how the story really goes How the story really goes Or do we all just hum along? Sell your soul and sign an autograph Big Bang Baby, it's a crash crash crash I wanna die but I gotta laugh Orange crush mama is a laugh laugh laugh Spin me up, spin me spin me out Station to station send me up and out Is that what life and love is all about I think I think so We used to see in color Now it's only black and white Yeah, it's only black and white Cause the world is color blind Does anybody know how the story really goes How the story really goes Or do we all just hum along? Sell your soul and sign an autograph Big Bang Baby, it's a crash crash crash I wanna die but I gotta laugh Orange crush mama is a laugh laugh laugh Nothing's for free, nothing's for free Take it away boys Nothing's for free, nothing's for free Take it away boys So turn it up and burn it There's a hole in your head There's a hole in your head Where the bird's can't sing along Does anybody know how the story really goes How the story really goes Or do we all just hum along? Sell your soul and sign an autograph Big Bang Baby, it's a crash crash crash I wanna die but I gotta laugh Orange crush mama is a laugh laugh laugh Nothing's for free, nothing's for free Take it away boys Nothing's for free, nothing's for free Take it away boys So turn it up and burn it There's a hole in your head A hole in your head Where the bird's can't sing along Does anybody know how the story really goes The story really goes Or do we all just hum along?
This one really sums up what our craft is about: "Bookends" - Paul Simon "Time it was and what a time it was, it was... A time of innocence a time of confidences. Long ago it must be, I have a photograph Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you"
"Send me photographs and souvenirs" from "You Belong to Me" (see wikipedia for a list of eveyone who's done it.) sing along with this one in the car. "Take a pebble".... listening to it now, thanks for the reminder. "Photogragh" from Def Leppard...skip the video, plug in the disc and crank it.
J Giles Band - 'Angel is a Centrefold' My blood runs cold My memory has just been sold My angel is the centerfold Angel is the centerfold
Nick Jeftic already mentioned it, but here's another vote for "Bookends" as coming close to the essence of it all. A youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahuU3QwWkdg
Nickelback - "Photograph" Look at this photograph Everytime I do it makes me laugh How did our eyes get so red And what the hell is on Joey's head And this is where I grew up I think the present owner fixed it up I never knew we'd ever went without The second floor is hard for sneaking out And this is where I went to school Most of the time had better things to do Criminal record says I broke in twice I must have done it half a dozen times ... Every memory of looking out the back door I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor It's hard to say it, time to say it Goodbye, goodbye...