R.E.M. — Photograph

[Verse 1: Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant] I found this photograph Underneath broken picture glass Tender face of black and white Beautiful, a haunting sight Looked into an angel's smile Captivated all the while From her hair and clothes she wore I'd have placed her in between the wars [Pre-Chorus: Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant] Was she willing when she sat And posed a pretty photograph To save her flowering and fair For days to come For days to share [Chorus: Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant] A big smile for the camera How did she know? The moment could be lost forever Forever more [Verse 2: Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant] I found this photograph Photograph In stacks between the old joist walls In a place where time is lost Lost behind where all things fall Broken books and calendars Letters script in careful hand Music to a standard tune by Some forgotten big brass band [Pre-Chorus: Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant] From the threshold what's to see Of our brave new century Television's just a dream Of radio and silver screen [Chorus: Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant] A big smile for the camera How did she know? The moment could be lost forever Forever more [Outro: Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant] Was her childhood filled with rhyme Or stolen books of passion crimes? Was she innocent or blind To the cruelty of her time? Was she fearful in her day? Was she hopeful? Did she pray? Were there skeletons inside Family secrets sworn to hide? Did she feel the heat that stirs The fall from grace of wayward girls? Was she tempted to pretend In love and laughter until the end?