Valerie
Giorgio Moroder; Philip Oakey Lyrics


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Valerie Valerie Valerie
You're hurting me
Valerie Valerie Valerie
Don't set me free
What shall I do when you are gone?
I'll walk around looking sad
Valerie Valerie Valerie
You're getting me down
Do you think that it's necessary
To move into town
What do you think you'll find out there?
You might as well stay as home

Valerie Valerie Valerie
Valerie Valerie Valerie

Remember me
Misery misery misery
Is all I can see
What shall I do when you are gone?
I'm going to be so sad

Valerie Valerie Valerie Valerie
Valerie Valerie Valerie




Valerie Valerie Valerie
Valerie Valerie Valerie

Overall Meaning

In "Valerie," Philip Oakey sings about a woman named Valerie who is causing him emotional pain. He repeats her name throughout the song, almost as if he is calling out to her for help. However, despite the hurt she is causing him, he begs her to stay and not leave him alone. Oakey highlights the contrast between his unhappy feelings and the woman's apparent desire to move on to something new, using the town as a metaphor for her search for happiness. He suggests that staying home with him would be a better decision, but it seems that they are likely to part ways. The song's ending is particularly poignant, with Oakey calling out Valerie's name repeatedly, almost as a plea for her to come back.


One interpretation of "Valerie" is that it's about a troubled and one-sided romance. Valerie is the subject of Philip Oakey's affections, but she doesn't seem to be reciprocating his feelings. He's left feeling hurt and alone, wondering what he'll do when she's gone. Oakey seems to be conflicted between wanting her to stay and wanting her to go because he seems to know that their relationship is causing him misery. The song's repetition of the name Valerie also suggests a sense of desperation, as if he's trying to hold on to something that's slipping out of his grasp.


Overall, "Valerie" is a melancholy song about heartbreak and the struggle to let go of someone you love. It's a powerful reminder of the pain that comes with unrequited love and the feeling of helplessness that can come when you can't make someone stay.


Line by Line Meaning

Valerie Valerie Valerie
Repeatedly calling out Valerie's name, conveying the singer's fixation or preoccupation with her


You're hurting me
Valerie's actions are causing emotional pain to the singer


Don't set me free
The singer desires to remain with Valerie, even if it means enduring the pain


What shall I do when you are gone?
The artist is uncertain about how to cope with the loss of Valerie


I'll walk around looking sad
The artist foresees himself being visibly distressed after Valerie leaves


You're getting me down
Valerie's actions or words are causing the singer to feel dejected or disheartened


Do you think that it's necessary
The singer questions Valerie's decision or motives


To move into town
Valerie is planning to relocate to another place


What do you think you'll find out there?
The artist is curious about Valerie's expectations or goals in the new location


You might as well stay as home
The artist implies that Valerie won't gain anything by moving, and should just stay where she is


Remember me
The singer asks Valerie to keep him in her thoughts


Misery misery misery
The artist is experiencing nothing but misery, and expects it to continue


Valerie Valerie Valerie Valerie
Repeating Valerie's name multiple times for emphasis, possibly due to frustration or desperation




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: GIORGIO MORODER, PHILIP OAKEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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