Song meaning of A Photograph of You by Depeche Mode

"A Photograph of You" by Depeche Mode delves into the emotional turmoil of holding onto memories of a past relationship through a photograph. The lyrics express a sense of longing and sadness that comes from reminiscing about a love that has faded. The opening verse sets the tone by questioning the value of a photograph that only serves to evoke feelings of melancholy. The line "What use is a souvenir of something we once had, when all it ever does is make me feel bad?" encapsulates the conflicting emotions of nostalgia and pain associated with holding onto mementos of a lost love.

The chorus reveals the internal struggle of the narrator, torn between wanting to rid themselves of the photograph to alleviate the pain, yet unable to bring themselves to do so. The lines "I wish I could tear it up, but then again I haven't the guts" and "I wish I could throw it on the fire, I wish I could, but to say I would, I'd be a liar" highlight the emotional complexity of letting go of a tangible reminder of a past relationship.

The repetition of the phrase "Every time I look at it, it makes me feel blue" throughout the song emphasizes the persistent sadness and emotional weight that the photograph carries for the narrator. The bridge reinforces this sentiment by repeating the question "What good is a photograph of you?" and underscoring the recurring feeling of melancholy that the image evokes.

In the end, the outro of the song, with its repeated refrain of "Feel blue," drives home the overarching theme of longing, regret, and emotional turmoil that comes with holding onto a photograph that symbolizes a love lost. "A Photograph of You" by Depeche Mode serves as a poignant exploration of the bittersweet nature of memories and the enduring impact of past relationships on the present.