I honestly can’t believe I haven’t written about this song. In a way, it represents a big part of my life. I remember it all way back to 13 or 14 years old. I think of middle & high school when I hear it. I think of old friends. I relate to those two lines in the chorus, “Could you take my picture? ‘Cause I won’t remember?” I never got in photos nor took them much back then and I regret that now. There’s a lot of memories lost. It makes you realize how important it is to capture a moment because once it’s gone, it’s gone forever…
Take a Picture was released as a single in November of 1999 from the band’s second album, Title of Record. It became a hit in February 2000, making its way onto Billboard’s Hot 100 at #12 and several other categories. These included, #1 on Dance/Club Play songs, #3 on Alternative songs and #7 on Adult Pop.
According to the band’s lead singer, Richard Patrick, the lyrics are about getting drunk on an airplane, taking off all of his clothes, and fighting with the flight attendants who tried to stop him. I don’t know about you, but I really didn’t think it was written about something that simple…it just seemed so prophetic, you know?
Above is a live performance.