The Photograph
Ghost Quartet Lyrics
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She threw it to the ground, disgusted by what she had done
What had she done?
She had taken a photograph of something inappropriate, or rather
A photograph at an inappropriate time, or rather
What was the photograph of?
A ghost, or rather
A ghost
Does the ghost haunt her?
She sees her eyes when she closes her eyes
Her eyes looking back at her
Her eyes underneath her eyelids
She is always screaming
Screaming
Has anyone else ever screamed?
Her daughter, her sister, her lover, her mother
Rose
Rose
Does Rose believe in ghosts?
Rose believes in the restorative properties of the ocean
In the importance of sharing meals
And never drinking coffee on the go
She believes in the standard model of love
In which the two lovers are bonded
Into something greater than themselves
She believes in the oversoul
That all living things in the universe
Are part of a single consciousness
She believes in freshly-washed linens
And flowers on the table
And buying used books full of marginalia
She believes in soul
How did her belief system break down with the appearance of the ghost?
Softly, without trauma
In a series of imperceptible shifts
How many people has Rose been?
Rose is the same as anyone else
The song "The Photograph" from Ghost Quartet tells the story of Rose, who lost her camera and threw it on the ground in disgust after taking a photograph of something inappropriate. The lyrics reveal that the photograph was of a ghost, but Rose should have been a hero instead of capturing it on film. As a result, she is haunted by the ghost's eyes every time she closes hers, and she is constantly screaming. Interestingly, several people in Rose's life have also screamed, including her daughter, sister, lover, and mother.
Despite her belief in the restorative properties of the ocean and the importance of sharing meals, Rose's belief system broke down in a series of imperceptible shifts when she saw the ghost. The song implies that Rose's faith in her oversoul, the notion that all living things in the universe are part of a single consciousness, was shattered by the appearance of the ghost.
Overall, "The Photograph" explores themes of heroism, belief systems, and the impact of traumatic experiences. The ghost serves as a haunting reminder of Rose's failure to act heroically, and her inability to reconcile this with her previous beliefs is a central aspect of the song's meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
How did Rose lose her camera?
Rose threw her camera to the ground in disgust, due to having taken a photograph that she regretted.
What had she done?
Rose had taken a photograph that was inappropriate, or taken at the inappropriate time, as she should have been doing something heroic instead.
What was the photograph of?
Rose's photograph was of a ghost that she now sees with her eyes closed constantly, haunting her.
Does the ghost haunt her?
The ghost in Rose's photograph haunts her by always appearing in her mind's eye and causing her to scream.
Has anyone else ever screamed?
Many people have screamed, including Rose's daughter, sister, lover, mother, and Rose herself.
Does Rose believe in ghosts?
Rose believes in many things such as love, the soul, and the concept of a single consciousness connecting all living things, but it is uncertain if she believes in ghosts.
How did her belief system break down with the appearance of the ghost?
Rose's belief system broke down subtly and gradually due to the ghost slowly undermining her beliefs.
How many people has Rose been?
Rose is the same as anyone else and has only been herself.
Writer(s): Dave Malloy
Contributed by Kaelyn K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.