Harlem River marked the solo debut. Known for his work as the singer/guitarist for the Brooklyn band The Babies and bassist for Woods, the Kansas City native and new Los Angeles resident, calls the record “an homage to New York City,” his adopted home for the past five years.
Valley
Kevin Morby Lyrics
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In the valley below
They all pretend not to know me
They all act like they don't know
In the sky above me
In the sky above
Mama, all the stars are broken
For either me or you or us
In the valley below me
In the valley below
They all pretend not to know us
They all act like they don't know
In the sky above me
In the sky above
Mama, all the stars are broken, mm
For either me or you or us
The lyrics to Kevin Morby’s song “Valley” speak of a sense of isolation, of being disavowed by the people in the valley below, and feeling unconnected from the world above. The repetition of the phrase “They all pretend not to know me” has an almost accusatory or bitter tone to it, suggesting a sense of betrayal. This feeling of isolation is further emphasized by the second verse’s repetition, “They all act like they don’t know us.” The use of the word “pretend” also suggests that the people could acknowledge the singer but choose not to.
The reference to broken stars in the sky above is a poignant image, as stars are often seen as symbols of hope and possibility but here they are shattered. The phrase “For either me or you or us” is particularly significant since it implies that this sense of disconnection is universal, that it affects not just the singer but possibly everyone around them.
Overall, the song captures a sense of dislocation and loneliness. While the lyrics don’t offer a specific narrative, the words’ repetition and the mournful melody contribute to a sense of melancholy.
Line by Line Meaning
In the valley below me
As I look down from my position, I see a valley
In the valley below
The valley is right there, below me
They all pretend not to know me
The people in the valley seem to ignore me on purpose
They all act like they don't know
Everyone around me is behaving as though they don't know who I am
In the sky above me
Above me, I see the sky
In the sky above
The sky is up there, above me
Mama, all the stars are broken
I speak to my mother, telling her that the stars are not as they should be
For either me or you or us
This problem with the stars could be affecting either me, my mother, or both of us
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kevin Morby
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind