While Greg Kihn may have found a home for his music when he moved to Berkeley in 1974 and signed on with Beserkley Records, it would take almost a decade to find a successful formula for his music. Winding from Dylanesque folk to merseyesque rock, by the early '80s Kihn and his band found they shared elements of new wave music, and scored their first US hit, "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)." Kihn had a bigger hit the following year with "Jeopardy," which peaked in the States at number 2. "Jeopardy" brought Kihn two of the highest honors an early eighties act could achieve: MTV put the video into heavy rotation, and Weird Al Yankovic recorded a parody. Kihn has been hard at work over the years, hosting a radio show, writing books and coming up with clever album titles (Kihnspiracy, Unkihntrollable). He has kinhtinued recording through it all, though it has proven difficult for Kihn to recapture the successes of 1982 and '83.
(http://www.80smusiclyrics.com/artists/gregkihnband.htm)
Valerie
Greg Kihn Band 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.