Meaning of "Taking Pictures" by Sam Phillips

The lyrics in "Taking Pictures" by Sam Phillips explore the ephemeral nature of memories and experiences. The act of taking a photograph is seen as a way of preserving a moment or place, but the narrator expresses a paradoxical sentiment that the city actually disappears when they capture it in a picture. This suggests that photographs can never truly capture the essence or reality of a place. The places the narrator goes to are described as never being there, which could imply a feeling of disconnectedness or a sense of unreality in their experiences.

The mention of nostalgia further emphasizes the idea of transient experiences. "Nostalgia isn't what it used to be" reflects the changing nature of reminiscing and longing for the past. This could suggest that as time progresses, the power and authenticity of nostalgic feelings diminishes, or it could be a commentary on the elusive nature of memory itself. The narrator can only mentally picture the disappearing world when someone touches them, insinuating that the presence and connection with another person is what anchors them to the present and gives them a sense of reality.

The lines about receiving the "air of Paris in a bottle" and the record that captures the "air of London nineteen sixty-five" evoke a longing for a specific time and place. However, even these mementos or souvenirs fall short of truly capturing the essence of those cities. The repetition of the statement that the places the narrator goes to are never there further emphasizes the theme of impermanence and the inability to hold onto or fully experience a place or moment.

Ultimately, "Taking Pictures" explores the fragility of memories and the limitations of capturing experiences through photographs. It suggests that true connection and a sense of reality are found in human interaction rather than in any preserved image. The lyrics invite reflection on the ways in which we try to hold onto the past and the fleeting nature of our experiences.