About the song
“Picture” by Kid Rock, featuring Sheryl Crow, is a poignant and emotionally charged country ballad that delves into the themes of heartbreak, regret, and the lingering pain of a lost love. Released in 2001, this track marked a significant departure from Kid Rock’s typically hard-rocking style, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. It’s more than just a break-up song; it’s a raw and honest portrayal of the aftermath of a failed relationship.
The song’s lyrics, co-written by Kid Rock and Shirley Crabtree, tell the story of two individuals grappling with the pain of a recent separation. They reminisce about the happier times, haunted by the “picture” of a love that once was. The vocal interplay between Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow, marked by its raw emotion and tender vulnerability, enhances the song’s poignant and relatable quality.
Kid Rock’s vocal style, characterized by its gravelly baritone and emotive phrasing, blends seamlessly with Sheryl Crow’s soulful and expressive vocals. They don’t just sing the lyrics; they embody them, conveying the pain and longing of the characters with a raw honesty that is both compelling and relatable. This genuine connection is a hallmark of their artistry, and it’s what makes their rendition of “Picture” so impactful.
The song’s arrangement, typically understated and melancholic, allows their vocals and the narrative to take center stage. The gentle acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle backing vocals create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, mirroring the song’s theme of quiet heartbreak.
“Picture” is more than just a country ballad; it’s a raw and honest exploration of the complexities of love and loss, a testament to the enduring power of human connection. It’s a reminder that even in the face of heartbreak, there’s a shared understanding in the universal experience of love’s decline.
Video
Lyrics
Living my life in a slow hell
Different girl every night at the hotel
I ain’t seen the sunshine in three damn days
Been fueling up on cocaine and whisky
Wish I had a good girl to miss me
Lord, I wonder if I’ll ever change my ways
I put your picture away
Sat down and cried today
I can’t look at you while I’m lying next to her
I put your picture away
Sat down and cried today
I can’t look at you while I’m lying next to her (ooh ooh ooh)
I called you last night in the hotel
Everyone knows, but they won’t tell
But their half-hearted smiles tell me something
Just ain’t right
I’ve been waiting on you for a long time
Fueling up on heartaches and cheap wine
I ain’t heard from you in three damn nights
I put your picture away
I wonder where you’ve been
I can’t look at you while I’m lyin’ next to him (ooh ooh ooh)
I put your picture away
I wonder where you’ve been
I can’t look at you while I’m lyin’ next to him (ooh)
I saw ya yesterday with an old friend
It was the same old same, how have you been>
Since you’ve been gone my world’s been
Dark and grey
You reminded me of brighter days
I hoped you were coming home to stay
I was headed to church
I was off to drink you away
I thought about you for a long time
Can’t seem to get you off my mind
I can’t understand why we’re living
Life this way
I found your picture today
I swear I’ll change my ways
I just called to say I want you
To come back home (ooh ooh ooh)
I found your picture today
I swear I’ll change my ways
I just called to say I want you
To come back home
I just called to say I love you
Come back home
