Beginning in 1976, The Greg Kihn Band put out several albums on the Beserkley Records label. Their most popular album was 1983's "Kihnspiracy", which reached the top 20 of the Billboard Album Chart. Many of the band's albums contained puns on the name "Kihn" within their titles. Aside from their own material, Kihn is also known for his eclectic choice of cover songs, included on his Kihnspicuous Taste double CD "best of" were versions of Love's "Little Red Book", The Only Ones' "Another Girl, Another Planet" Jackie Wilson's "Your Love is Lifting Me Higher & Higher", and even "I Fall to Pieces" made famous by Patsy Cline.
Since 2001, the Greg Kihn Band has been one of the opening acts at the annual Kihncert, which is organized by San Jose, California radio station KUFX-FM (promotional name 98.5 K-Fox), where Kihn is the morning DJ. His son Ry Kihn (named for guitarist Ry Cooder) sometimes plays with his dad's band, as well as a band of his own, Big Fun USA.
Kihn has also written four novels, Horrow Show, Shade of Pale, Mojo Hand, and Big Rock Beat, and released a collection of short stories by himself, and other well known rock musicians, named Carved In Rock: Short Stories By Musicians. Contributors include Ray Manzarek of The Doors, Pete Townshend of The Who, Joan Jett, and Ray Davies of The Kinks.
He recently recovered from a surgery performed on his back, and was back on the air at KUFX on 08/09/06.
Kihn has a new live album entitled Extended Versions out through Sony Records.
Kihn loves Corvettes and supposedly bought one in early December 2006.
Valerie
Greg Kihn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And drive to the place that I think that you are
If you're not there, I might just park
And dream about your face in the dark
Oh Valerie
Can't you see
If I disappear, I wouldn't be missed
Well, I went to a party where i knew she'd be
But I know there's no way she'd be leaving with me
Happened to see her with another guy
He was tall and handsome, I was jealous and shy
Oh Valerie
Can't you see
If I disappear, I wouldn't be missed
I don't think she knows that I even exsist at all
She's the girl everybody is after
First you're with her, then you're past her
I shifted gears 'cause I thought I could catch her
I thought I was quick, but I guess she was faster
Oh Valerie
Can't you see
If I disappear, I wouldn't be missed
I don't think she knows that I even exists at all
The song "Valerie" by Greg Kihn Band is a tale of unrequited love. The singer is deeply infatuated with a girl named Valerie and spends his time driving around trying to find her. He admits that he is not sure if she even knows he exists and imagines what it would be like to be with her in the darkness, highlighting his desire to be with her no matter what. He also describes a moment where he sees Valerie with another man and realizes that he is jealous and feels inferior to the other guy.
Throughout the song, the singer is desperate to be noticed by Valerie and is willing to do anything for her attention. The lyrics also provide insight into the power dynamics in their relationship, with Valerie being portrayed as a desirable and unattainable woman that everybody else seems to want.
The song is a great representation of the feeling of unrequited love that many people can relate to. The music itself is a mix between rock and power pop, with catchy guitar riffs and a memorable chorus that sticks in your head.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm not with you, I jump in my car
Whenever I am not with you, a strong Compulsion drags me to my car to search for you.
And drive to the place that I think that you are
I drive to the spot that I assume you might be.
If you're not there, I might just park
If I don't find you, I'll park my car in some random place.
And dream about your face in the dark
I close my eyes and envision your beautiful face in the dark.
Oh Valerie
Oh Valerie
Can't you see
Are you not able to perceive?
If I disappear, I wouldn't be missed
If I go missing, No one would notice or feel my absence.
I don't think she knows that I even exsist at all
I assume that you are unaware of my being or any existence at all.
Well, I went to a party where I knew she'd be
I Attend a party where I assuredly knew you would be there.
But I know there's no way she'd be leaving with me
But I am sure that you would never leave with me.
Happened to see her with another guy
Accidentally saw you with another guy.
He was tall and handsome, I was jealous and shy
He was tall and good-looking, and At that particular moment, I was envious and bashful.
She's the girl everybody is after
You are the girl whom everyone wants to pursue.
First you're with her, then you're past her
People who pursue you at one moment soon realize that you are not worth it and leave you behind.
I shifted gears 'cause I thought I could catch her
I began moving more quickly because I believed that I could catch up to you.
I thought I was quick, but I guess she was faster
Even though I believed I was quick, you were already long gone and out of my reach.
Contributed by Addison L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.