[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)
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
When 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)
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?