The Picture
Editors Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You can't fail this time
I'll be where you are
Be afraid for me
Be too good for me

You look back at the picture
And realise things then were different
It's not who you know
It's what you know then

Rest your weary head
Close your heavy eyes
This last drink so near
Your smile shines on me

You look back at the picture

And realise things then were different
It's not who you know
It's what you know then

Look at the picture
And realise things now are different
It's not who you know
It's what you know then
Know then
Know then
Know then
Know then
Know then




Know then
Know then

Overall Meaning

At its core, "The Picture" by Editors is a song about reflecting on one's past and recognizing how much things have changed. The song begins with the singer addressing someone else, telling them that they cannot fail this time, and promising to be there for them. However, the lyrics take a melancholic turn as the singer urges the other person to "be afraid for me" and "be too good for me." The singer's insecurities are on full display, which is why they are looking back at an old picture and reminiscing about how things used to be.


As the song progresses, the key line becomes, "It's not who you know, it's what you know then." This line reveals that the singer has come to understand that knowledge and experience are far more important than social status or connections. They are telling the other person to focus on what they know, rather than who they know. The repetition of "Know then" at the end of the song reinforces this message, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences.


Line by Line Meaning

You can't fail this time
I'll be with you every step of the way, ensuring you succeed


I'll be where you are
I'll be right by your side, supporting you in everything you do


Be afraid for me
Care for me and worry about me, as I care for and worry about you


Be too good for me
Exceed my expectations and be better than I ever imagined you could be


You look back at the picture
Reflect on past experiences and memories captured in a photograph


And realise things then were different
Acknowledge that the past was distinct, unique, and separate from the present


It's not who you know
Success is not determined by your social network or connections


It's what you know then
Success is determined by the knowledge and skills you possessed at that specific point in time


Rest your weary head
Take a moment to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind


Close your heavy eyes
Allow yourself to let go of worries and embrace peacefulness


This last drink so near
The end is near, and this may be the last opportunity to enjoy something before it's gone


Your smile shines on me
Your smile is contagious and brings joy and happiness to those around you


Look at the picture
Take a moment to reflect on the present and how it differs from the past


And realise things now are different
Acknowledge that the present is unique and separate from the past


It's not who you know
Success is not determined by your social network or connections


It's what you know then
Success is determined by the knowledge and skills you possessed at that specific point in time


Know then
Remember that the past affects the present and shapes the future


Know then
Acknowledge the impact of past experiences and how they inform current decisions


Know then
Be aware of the historical context of situations and decisions


Know then
Understand that the truth and reality of a situation can only be fully grasped by those who experienced it firsthand


Know then
Appreciate the value of past experiences and the knowledge gained from them


Know then
Never forget the lessons learned from past mistakes and triumphs


Know then
Embrace the past, accept the present, and prepare for the future




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christopher Dominic Urbanowicz, Edward Owen Lay, Russell Leetch, Thomas Michael Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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