"Like a Photograph" by Parmalee explores the narrator's desire to be with someone who is already in a relationship with someone else. The song highlights the narrator's observations of the person they desire, as well as their frustrations with the current state of their romantic interest's relationship.

In the first verse, the narrator notices the person they desire talking to their friends, but their current partner seems oblivious to their true worth. The narrator recognizes the person's ability to light up a room and believes their partner is unaware of what they are about to lose.

The chorus emphasizes the stark contrast between the person's qualities and their current partner's shortcomings. The lyrics suggest that the person is vibrant and full of fire, while their partner is described as "all rain." The narrator is tired of observing the person fading away in the relationship and expresses their desire to bring a new taste to their lips and melt their heart with their touch. The mention of burning the memory "like a photograph" implies a desire to erase the past and move forward in a new relationship.

In the second verse, the narrator continues to observe the person's partner's behavior. The partner seems disinterested, preferring to spend time away from the person and leaving them alone. The narrator suggests that if they were the one in the person's life, they would cherish them and never let them go, as they can see the potential that the current partner fails to recognize.

Ultimately, the chorus is repeated and reinforces the narrator's longing to ignite the relationship with the person they desire. They express their willingness to put in the effort to create new experiences and emotions with them, capable of overshadowing the memories of their past relationship. The narrator aims to provide the kind of love that will leave the person's current partner in the past, ultimately burning the memory of their previous relationship "like a photograph."

Overall, "Like a Photograph" delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the longing for a deeper, more fulfilling connection with someone who is already committed to another person.