In an email distributed to subscribers of the Japanese Breakfast newsletter on the day ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)’ was released, Zauner elaborates on the song’s significance:
Ever since I was a young girl I’ve dealt with intrusive thoughts of loved ones dying horrible deaths. When...
[Verse 1]
My baby loves a port town
And a shuffle
Only cries on Ferris wheels
This baby's on the verge of
If she lost him, would most certainly be committed
[Refrain]
Are you not afraid of every waking minute
That your life could pass you by?
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
But all of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are my home
[Verse 2]
Heart breaking like a punch card
Keeps his mouth shut
Keeps his mind fixed and well hidden
You dream enough for two, dear
Picture window
Looking out on somewhere else
[Refrain]
Do you not conceive of my death at every minute
While your life just passes you by?
[Chorus]
But all of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are my home
All of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are real
All of my ghosts are my home
Picture Window was written by Michelle Zauner.
Picture Window was produced by Blake Mills.
Japanese-breakfast released Picture Window on Fri Mar 21 2025.