Meaning of "Where Do I Go to Throw a Picture Away" by Jim Reeves

The lyrics of "Where Do I Go to Throw a Picture Away" delve into the complex emotions associated with letting go of a past love. Reeves finds himself in a position where he is forced to discard a picture that holds sentimental value, as instructed by the person he once loved. The act of throwing away the picture becomes symbolic of his attempt to move on from the relationship and erase the memories associated with it.

Reeves acknowledges the difficulty of this task, stating that he hates treating the picture this way. Looking at the photo every day serves as a reminder of the love he still holds in his heart. The picture becomes a "paper impression," representing the tangible evidence of their time together and the emotional attachment he still feels. Despite the pain of the breakup, he struggles to let go completely.

The repeated question of where to go to throw away the picture highlights the confusion and indecision Reeves faces. It is not simply a physical location he seeks but a metaphorical one—a place where he can truly let go of the memories and emotions that the picture represents. While physically disposing of the picture may be a straightforward task, emotionally detaching himself from the love and memories it holds proves to be more challenging.

The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and loss, illustrating the universal experience of trying to move on from a past relationship. Reeves captures the struggle between wanting to forget the person who has caused him pain and cherishing the love they shared. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the complexities of human emotions and the difficulty of letting go.