Photographs & Memories
Croce Jim Lyrics
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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
But we sure had a good time
When we started way back when
Morning walks and bedroom talks
Oh how I loved you then
Summer skies and lullabies
Nights we couldn't say good-bye
And of all of the things that we knew
Not a dream survived
Photographs and memories
All the love you gave to me
Somehow it just can't be true
That's all I've left of you
But we sure had a good time
When we started way back when
Morning walks and bedroom talks
Oh how I loved you then
The song "Photographs & Memories" by Jim Croce is a nostalgic ballad about remembering a past love through the keepsakes they left behind. The lyrics paint a picture of the singer going through old photographs and Christmas cards as a way to hold on to the memories of their lost love. He reminisces about the happy times they shared together, from morning walks to bedroom talks, and how much he loved her then.
The theme of the song is universal, as most people have experienced holding onto memories of a past relationship. The lyrics capture the bittersweet nostalgia of missing someone who had been such an important part of one's life while having only photographs and memories to hold onto. It is a melancholic tribute to lost love, and the evocative lyrics and gentle melody of the song create a poignant mood that resonates with listeners.
The song was released as a single in 1974 after Jim Croce's death in 1973, and it quickly became a hit, reaching No. 35 on the Billboard chart. The song was also included on the compilation album, "Greatest Hits." To this day, it remains one of Jim Croce's most beloved songs, and its themes continue to resonate with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Photographs and memories
The reminiscence of past events and moments captured in pictures.
Christmas cards you sent to me
The letters and cards sent to me during the holiday season that serve as a reminder of your existence.
All that I have are these
These are the only things left that recall memories of you.
To remember you
These photographs and cards help me maintain your presence, although you are gone.
Memories that come at night
The memories that appear when the surroundings are dark and quiet, resonating with myself on a deeper level.
Take me to another time
These memories give the feeling of time travel, transporting me to the past when we were still together.
Back to a happier day
A time when happiness was pure, memories of happiness shared together.
When I called you mine
When we were in a fulfilling, committed relationship.
But we sure had a good time
Despite it not being able to work out in the end, the time we spent together was enjoyable.
When we started way back when
The beginning of our relationship, where everything felt new and exciting.
Morning walks and bedroom talks
Small things that meant a lot between us, cherished memories shared together.
Oh how I loved you then
A feeling of intense romance for the other person at the beginning of the relationship.
Summer skies and lullabies
The reminiscence of the passing of seasons, each season holding its own significance along with soft songs to bring solace.
Nights we couldn't say good-bye
Even though we knew things had to end for the night, we felt reluctant letting go of each other.
And of all of the things that we knew
No matter how much we knew about each other, it was still not enough to keep our relationship going.
Not a dream survived
All of my dreams and aspirations regarding the relationship were shattered.
All the love you gave to me
All the affection and fondness I felt from the other person during our time together.
Somehow it just can't be true
As much as I want to convince myself of the love we shared, it just does not feel quite real anymore.
That's all I've left of you
These photos, cards and memories are the only you I have left.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JIM CROCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jonathan’s 2 cents
35 years ago my wife and I fell in love listening to Jim Croce, his music got us threw some rough times. Nov 11 2015, I sat in a hospice house holding my wife for the last time.. Listening to him Croce on u tube,, she passed away while photographs and memories was playing. I love and miss her so much
Dave L
+jack greene You made my eyes well up. I hope sharing your story helps get you by.
wing1200guy
Jonathan Lewis may peace be with you and the love you gave your wife gave her comfort may she forever rest in peace
918V
Jonathan Lewis Waterworks here.
marksgmail66
Thanks, Jonathan. Enjoy YOUR memories...
ivanbm
😭😭😭😭
Cookie's crumbs
Songs don’t have to be 5 minutes long to get their point across and stir up your emotions. This is absolutely beautiful.
John Seet
😢
Discover With Erin
For sure! Jim Croce just needs 2 minutes to get you thinking and get the emotions stirred up. ❤️❤️
Denver “Denny” Thurman
He still touches our hearts after 48 years of being gone. His music is awesome .