Meaning of “Take A Picture” by Filter

The first verse of “Take a Picture” alludes to an episode where Richard Patrick, being drunk out of his mind, proceeded to strip on an airplane. As explained by the singer/songwriter, he has a tendency to get so boozed that he’ll commit wild, spontaneous acts, like the one mentioned above. 

For instance, Richard once reportedly once threw a beer bottle from a window in a cab at a police car. The issue though is that in the aftermath of committing these acts, he often wouldn’t remember that they transpired to begin with. 

So Patrick instructed the friend who reported the bottle-throwing incident to him that next time something like that happened, she should take his picture so that he could remember afterwards. And it is from that backdrop that “Take a Picture” sprang.

“Could you take my picture?
‘Cause I won’t remember
Could you take my picture?
‘Cause I won’t remember”

Verse 2

As far as the premise behind the second verse is concerned, Patrick also elaborated that drunkenness results in a feeling of loneliness and isolation. And apparently, based on the wording of this passage, that is not a good thing. 

Theoretically explained more comprehensively, it’s as if he’s saying that drunk people need a responsible companion by their side, even if said individual doing so is considered an invasion of privacy or what have you. 

Truth be told, it’s sorta difficult to explain what he’s getting at in this verse. Or let’s say that, all things considered, the sentiment being expressed obviously isn’t anti-alcohol consumption. But at the same time, it does indirectly espouse the act of boozing responsibly, in the form of not turning away those who may want to assist when you’re in an inebriated state.

The Bridge

The bridge, where the singer calls out his dad, is one of the more interesting parts of this song, as Richard admitted that his father was actually offended by it. On the surface, it reads as if he’s mocking pop dukes for having proven successful as a musician, as reportedly the parent did not approve of that career choice. 

But Richard has also explained that the bridge serves as a double entendre, i.e. revealing to his dad that he is indeed a drunkard, one who for instance was getting arrested for stripping on airplanes.

The Long and Short of “Take a Picture”

By the time all is said and done, “Take a Picture” can perhaps be best classified as an anti-establishment song. The vocalist, to some degree, recognizes that he has a problem, one in which he has the tendency to booze to the point of making a spectacle out of himself. 

But it isn’t as if he’s trying to kick the habit. Instead, reading in between the lines, what’s being relayed is more along the lines of Richard asserting that drunkards, such himself sometimes, require caring companionship.

When was “Take A Picture” released?

Officially released in November 1999, “Take A Picture” represents the second single from Filter’s sophomore studio album named “Title of Record”.

Writing & Production

“Take A Picture” was authored and produced by Richard Patrick. He received production assistance in producing this song from US producer Ben Grosse.

Album

“Title of Record” was launched on August 24 of 1999. A product of Reprise Records, this album was supported by a total of three singles. The song “Welcome to the Fold”, which dropped during August 1999, was issued as the album’s lead single.

“The Best Things” is the title of the last single from this project. It was made public in November 2000.