"Photograph" by 10000 Maniacs

I found this photograph 
underneath the broken picture glass 
Tender face of black and white 
Beautiful, a haunting sight 
Looked into an angel's smile 
captivated all the while 
From the hair and clothes she wore 
I'd place her in between the wars 

Was she willing when she sat 
and posed the pretty photograph? 
Save her flowering and fair 
the days to come, the days to share 
A big smile for the camera 
how did she know? 
the moment could be lost forever 
forever more 

I found this photograph 
stashed between the old joist walls 
in a place where time is lost 
lost behind, where all things fall 
Broken books and calendars 
letters script in careful hand 
music too, a standard tune by 
some forgotten big brass band 

From the threshhold what's to see 
of our brave new century? 
The television's just a dream 
the radio, the silver screen 
A big smile for the camera 
how did she know? 
the moment could be lost forever 
forever more 

Was her childhood filled with rhymes 
stolen hooks, impassioned crimes? 
Was she innocent or blind 
to the cruelty of her time? 
Was she fearful in her day 
was she hopeful, did she pray? 
Were there skeletons inside 
family secrets, sworn to hide? 
Did she feel the heat that stirs 
the fall from grace of wayward girls? 
Was she tempted to pretend 
the love and laughter, 'til the end?