Northern Picture Library was a British dream pop group formed in 1993 by Bo… Read Full Bio ↴Northern Picture Library was a British dream pop group formed in 1993 by Bobby Wratten and Annemari Davies, both former members of The Field Mice. They were soon joined by former drummer for The Field Mice: Mark Dobson.

The group adopted a more abstract, ambient and synthesiser-based sound than the more instantly-recognisable guitar-pop approach of The Field Mice. Their debut single, "Love Song For The Dead Che", was a cover of a song by 1960s psychedelic group United States of America, and both it and the following album, Alaska, won critical acclaim, however sales were poor, even compared to the Field Mice's records. The group members' personal problems (various members succumbed to depression, stage fright and substance abuse) made touring difficult, and thus also made it difficult for the group to promote their records effectively. Two more EPs followed "Blue Dissolve EP" (12"/CD, Vinyl Japan, released June 1994) and "Paris EP" (CD, released by Sarah Records, September 1994) before the group was dissolved. Wratten later went on to form Trembling Blue Stars, with Davies also joining the group in a later incarnation.

In 2005 the entire Northern Picture Library back catalogue was released on two CDs on the LTM label.

Isn't It Time You Faced the Truth?
Northern Picture Library Lyrics

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How long is it going to take

For you to realise

She's not gonna change

Her mind,

That she's not gonna change her mind?

How many times

Do you have to be told

How many times

Does she have to say no

How many times

How many times

D'you have to be told?

I guess you still

Hold out hope

Of her taking you back

Bet you've dreamed of her doing just that.

Had your chances to change

You blew your chances to change

You've no-one,

No-one but yourself to blame.

Isn't it time

You faced the truth?

Don't think I don't feel for you.

Isn't it time,

Isn't it time we faced the truth.

I guess you still hold out hope

Of her taking you back

Bet you've dreamed of her doing just that

I guess you still hold out hope

Of her taking you back

Bet you've dreamed of her doing just that.

I bet you've dreamed of her doing just that.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Northern Picture Library's song "Isn't It Time You Faced the Truth?" describe a person who is still struggling to accept that their romantic interest is not interested in them. The lyrics are repetitious, perhaps reflecting the cyclical nature of the person's thoughts and the way they keep repeating the same false hope to themselves. The song questions how long it will take for the person to realize that their love interest isn't going to change their mind and that they should face the truth. The lyrics suggest that the person has had chances to change but has blown them, indicating that they may have made mistakes or missed opportunities in their relationship.

The song's chorus and title urge the person to face the truth about their situation, while the verses depict their stubborn refusal to do so. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, capturing the feeling of unrequited love and the difficulties of moving on. The repetition of the chorus and certain phrases emphasizes the frustration and sadness of the situation, painting a vivid picture of a heartbroken person who can't let go.

Line by Line Meaning

How long is it going to take
How much time do you need

For you to realise
to understand

She's not gonna change
She won't change her mind

Her mind,
her decision

That she's not gonna change her mind?
Won't she change her decision?

How many times
How often

Do you have to be told
do you need to be informed

Does she have to say no
Doesn't her saying no make it clear

D'you have to be told?
Can't you understand?

I guess you still
I think you

Hold out hope
are hopeful