The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I'm out of luck, out of love
Gotta photograph, picture of
Passion killer, you're too much
You're the only one I want to touch
I see your face every time I dream
On every page, every magazine
So wild and free so far from me
You're all I want, my fantasy
Oh, look what you've done to this rock 'n' roll clown
Oh oh, look what you've done
Photograph, I don't want your
Photograph, I don't need your
Photograph, all I've got is a photograph
But it's not enough
I'd be your lover, if you were there
Put your hurt on me, if you dare
Such a woman, you got style
You make every man feel like a child, oh
You got some kinda hold on me
You're all wrapped up in mystery
So wild and free, so far from me
You're all I want, my fantasy
Oh, look what you've done to this rock 'n' roll clown
Oh oh, look what you've done
I gotta have you
Photograph, I don't want your
Photograph, I don't need your
Photograph, all I've got is a photograph
You've gone straight to my head
Oh, look what you've done to this rock 'n' roll clown
Oh oh, look what you've done
I gotta have you
Photograph, I don't want your
Photograph, I don't need your
Photograph, all I've got is a photograph
I want to touch you
Oh
Photograph
Photograph, your photograph
Photograph
Photograph, I need only your
Photograph, I'm out of love
Photograph, I'm out of love
Photograph, you're the only one
Photograph, I want to touch
Gotta photograph, picture of
Passion killer, you're too much
You're the only one I want to touch
I see your face every time I dream
On every page, every magazine
So wild and free so far from me
You're all I want, my fantasy
Oh, look what you've done to this rock 'n' roll clown
Oh oh, look what you've done
Photograph, I don't want your
Photograph, I don't need your
Photograph, all I've got is a photograph
But it's not enough
I'd be your lover, if you were there
Put your hurt on me, if you dare
Such a woman, you got style
You make every man feel like a child, oh
You got some kinda hold on me
You're all wrapped up in mystery
So wild and free, so far from me
You're all I want, my fantasy
Oh, look what you've done to this rock 'n' roll clown
Oh oh, look what you've done
I gotta have you
Photograph, I don't want your
Photograph, I don't need your
Photograph, all I've got is a photograph
You've gone straight to my head
Oh, look what you've done to this rock 'n' roll clown
Oh oh, look what you've done
I gotta have you
Photograph, I don't want your
Photograph, I don't need your
Photograph, all I've got is a photograph
I want to touch you
Oh
Photograph
Photograph, your photograph
Photograph
Photograph, I need only your
Photograph, I'm out of love
Photograph, I'm out of love
Photograph, you're the only one
Photograph, I want to touch
Lyrics submitted by Boonechic_21
Photograph Lyrics as written by Robert John Lange Peter Andrew Willis
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Joe's obsession with Marilyn Monroe
I'm not much of a hair metal fan but this song stands out somehow. One thing is the guitar riff during the chorus, kind of bittersweet and melancholy. That's when the fact that it's a sad song peeks it's head out sonically. Reminds me of the guitar riff Peter Buck plays after the chorus in REM's Driver 8, an arpeggio where the 3rd note in every bar doesn't change, while the others do. Love it.
That's right, I just compared Def Leppard to REM...deal with it.
@teddyhose I thought I was the only one who noticed that. <br />
Impossible to sing, even Joe says he struggles with it on occasion. It's about a guy who loves a girl, but can't be with her and only has her photograph.
It's about a girl he wants to be with, but only has a photograph of her to remember her by.
great song, it rocks, bout Joe's fantasy's or pics of Marylin Monroe his fave
well this is probably one of the greatest songs by def leppard, one of my favorites. but this song was actually written for mairlyn monroe.
You're all wrapped up in mystery because her whole life was a mystery and they still dont know how she died.
well thats at least what i think about this song, def leppard is amazing
50 years
I don't understand what is so great about Marilyn Monroe.She is a skank.I don't know about anyone else, but i think blonde hair is getto.
My dad and i do not share opinions on music very much, we overlap on zep, aerosmith, jimi, etc. but he cannot stand the 80s glam. That being said, i was driving, and by right, i chose the radio station. This song came on and right about "every page every magazine" he asked me, not even joking, "who the hell is this rock n roll clown singin bout?" i just smiled and kept drivin. Never did tell him that its bout Marilyn Monroe
great, great vocal harmonies in that chorus. fun stuff!
This is a good song... very similar to a lot of the 80s metal love ballads, but it still stands out as one of the best in my book.