Guy Clark – My Favorite Picture of You

About the song

Guy Clark’s “My Favorite Picture of You”: A Timeless Portrait of Love

Guy Clark is a name synonymous with heartfelt songwriting and storytelling. His ability to paint vivid pictures with words and evoke deep emotions is evident in many of his songs, including “My Favorite Picture of You”. This poignant ballad, featured on his 1975 self-titled debut album, is a testament to Clark’s talent for capturing the complexities of human relationships.

The title, “My Favorite Picture of You”, is simple yet evocative. It suggests a deep connection to a loved one, a connection that transcends time and space. The lyrics, written by Clark himself, paint a nostalgic portrait of a past love. The imagery is rich and detailed, allowing listeners to visualize the scenes Clark describes.

Musically, “My Favorite Picture of You” is a classic folk ballad. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming provides a warm and inviting backdrop for Clark’s distinctive, gravelly vocals. The arrangement is sparse, allowing the lyrics and Clark’s emotional delivery to take center stage.

Clark’s performance is both intimate and powerful. His voice, weathered by years of storytelling, conveys a sense of wisdom and experience. The way he delivers the lyrics, with a mix of longing and acceptance, creates a connection with the listener that is both personal and universal.

“My Favorite Picture of You” has endured as a classic for several reasons. First, the song’s universal theme of love and loss resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Second, the music is both beautiful and timeless, creating a lasting impression on the listener. And finally, Clark’s songwriting is simply masterful, making him one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation.

Beyond its musical merits, “My Favorite Picture of You” also holds historical significance. It helped to establish Clark as a leading figure in the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. The song’s timeless themes and evocative imagery have made it a staple of the folk music canon.

If you’re looking for a song that will make you reflect on your own relationships and the passage of time, then look no further than “My Favorite Picture of You”. It’s a timeless piece of music that continues to inspire and move listeners.

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Lyrics

My favorite picture of you
Is the one where you’re staring
Straight into the lens

It’s just a Polaroid shot
Someone took on the spot
No beginning, no end

It’s just a moment in time
You can’t have back
You never left but your bags were packed
Just in case

My favorite picture of you
Is bent and it’s faded
And it’s pinned to my wall

Oh and you were so angry
It’s hard to believe
We were lovers at all

There’s a fire in your eyes
You’ve got your heart on your sleeve
A curse on your lips but all I can see
Is beautiful

My favorite picture of you
Is the one where
Your wings are showing

Oh and your arms are crossed
Your fists are clenched
Not gone but going

Oh a stand up angel
Who won’t back down
Nobody’s fool, nobody’s clown
You were smarter than that

My favorite picture of you
Is the one where
It hasn’t rained yet

Oh and as I recall
That came a winter squall
And we got soaking wet

A thousand words
In the blink of an eye
The camera loves you and so do I
Click

My favorite picture of you
Is the one where you’re staring
Straight into the lens