Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)

"Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)" is a song by the English new wave band A Flock of Seagulls. Released in 1982, it appeared on their debut album, A Flock of Seagulls. The song is known for its melancholic lyrics, distinctive synthesizer melodies, and the signature echoing guitar work of band member Paul Reynolds.

The song's theme centers on longing and regret, expressing the narrator's wish for a photograph of a past love, symbolizing a desire to hold onto a memory that is fading or lost. The lyrics paint a picture of lost connection and the pain of separation, amplified by the emotional delivery of lead vocalist Mike Score.

"Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)" became one of A Flock of Seagulls' most popular and enduring songs, contributing significantly to their success in the early 1980s. While perhaps not as instantly recognizable as their hit "I Ran (So Far Away)," "Wishing" remains a staple on new wave and 80s-themed radio stations and continues to resonate with listeners due to its relatable themes of love, loss, and remembrance. The song's music video, though less visually iconic than "I Ran," further enhanced its popularity and contributed to the band's overall image.