Filter: "Take a Picture"

Three piano solo arrangements of "Take a Picture" by Filter, a melodic alternative rock song from the 1999 album Title of Record. The track explores themes of self-reflection and regret, with frontman Richard Patrick drawing on personal experiences to craft its poignant narrative.

Filter: "Take a Picture"

About Filter:

Filter is an American rock band formed in 1993 by Richard Patrick, a former guitarist for Nine Inch Nails, and Brian Liesegang. The band’s music blends elements of industrial rock, alternative metal, and post-grunge, creating a distinctive sound characterized by heavy guitar riffs, atmospheric synths, and Patrick’s gritty vocals. Their debut album, Short Bus (1995), featured the hit single “Hey Man Nice Shot,” which brought them significant attention and established their presence in the rock music scene. The success of this album was followed by extensive touring and growing popularity.

The release of their second album, Title of Record (1999), marked a critical and commercial high point for Filter. This album included the widely acclaimed single “Take a Picture,” which showcased a softer, more melodic side of the band and broadened their appeal. Over the years, Filter has undergone several lineup changes, with Richard Patrick remaining the consistent core member. Despite these changes, the band has continued to release new music and maintain a loyal fan base, with albums like The Amalgamut (2002) and Crazy Eyes (2016) further solidifying their place in the rock genre. Filter’s music is known for its emotional intensity, lyrical depth, and innovative blending of electronic and rock elements.


About “Take a Picture”:

“Take a Picture” by Filter, released in 1999 from their album Title of Record, garnered widespread success, peaking at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three in Canada. The song’s lyrics, written by frontman Richard Patrick, recount his experiences of drunken escapades, including an incident on an airplane where he blacked out and removed his shirt. Despite initially causing offense to his father, Patrick explained that the song’s meaning evolves with each performance, emphasizing its personal significance. The accompanying music video, directed by David Meyers, features surreal imagery, including scenes of a crashed airplane and a flooding house, further enhancing the song’s dreamlike quality and thematic depth.


🎶 “Take a Picture” Intermediate Piano Solo: Full Version

Key features of this version:

  • Full recorded version of the song with thick textures
  • 10 total pages
  • Includes full lyrics
  • Run time is approximately 6:00

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎶 “Take a Picture” Intermediate Piano Solo: Abridged

Key features of this version:

  • Abridged version with thinner textures and less-active left-hand part
  • 8 total pages
  • Includes partial lyrics
  • Run time is approximately 4:00

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎶 “Take a Picture” Easy Piano Solo

Key features of this version:

  • Includes first verse and chorus (repeated)
  • 4 total pages
  • Includes partial lyrics
  • Run time is approximately 2:00

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎹 Pop Rock Favorites Songbook Series

Do you love pop rock and alternative rock from the 1990s? You’ll definitely want to explore the Pop Rock Favorites Songbook Series. As of this posting, there are 10 volumes available! Take a dive into a few of these books:


🎹 Looking for more 1990s Alternative Rock piano sheet music?


👋 Did I miss one of your favorites? I’m always open to requests so drop me a comment!


Jennifer Eklund
Written by Jennifer Eklund
Jennifer Eklund holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music from California State University, Long Beach. She is an avid arranger, composer, and author of the Piano Pronto® method books series as well as a wide variety of supplemental songbooks. She is also a Signature Artist with Musicnotes.com with a large catalog of popular music titles for musicians of all levels.

Comments

User's avatar


No comments yet
Be the first to comment.

Republica: "Ready to Go"
Pop Rock Sheet Music
Alternative Rock Sheet Music
1990s Sheet Music

Republica: "Ready to Go"

A timeless 1990s upbeat alternative rock hit by the band Republica. Look, listen, and learn about Jennifer Eklund's piano solo arrangement of "Ready to Go."

  • 6 min read
Read more
LEN: "Steal My Sunshine"
Pop Rock Sheet Music
1990s Sheet Music

LEN: "Steal My Sunshine"

Long live the 90s! An infectious earworm 1990s pop rock hit by LEN. Look, listen, and learn about Jennifer Eklund's piano solo arrangement of "Steal My Sunshine."

  • 6 min read
Read more
Oasis: "Champagne Supernova"
Mild & Mellow Sheet Music
1990s Sheet Music
Pop Rock Sheet Music

Oasis: "Champagne Supernova"

Mellow piano solo versions of "Champagne Supernova" by Oasis recast the epic Britpop anthem into a reflective, dreamlike meditation. The stripped-down arrangement highlights the song's lyrical introspection and nostalgic tone, offering a serene and intimate listening experience.

  • 6 min read
Read more