Valerie
Twyla Lidén Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what you're doing
And in my head I paint a picture
'Cause since I've come on home
Well, my body's been a mess
And I've missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Stop makin a fool out of me
Why don't you come on over Valerie?
Valerie, Valerie, Valerie
Did you have to go to jail
Put your house on up for sale
Did you get a good lawyer?
I Hope you didn't catch a tan
Hope you find the right man
Who'll fix it for you
Are you shopping anywhere
Changed the color of your hair
And Are you busy?
And did you have to pay that fine
That you were dodging all the time
Are you still dizzy?
Since I've come on home
Well, my body's been a mess
And I've missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Won't you come on over
Stop makin a fool out of me
Why don't you come on over Valerie?
Valerie, Valerie, Valerie
Well, sometimes I go out by myself
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what you're doing
And in my head I paint a picture
Cause since I've come on home
Well, my body's been a mess
And I've missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Won't you come on over
Stop makin a fool out of me
Why don't you come on over Valerie?
Valerie, Valerie, Valerie
The lyrics to Twyla Lidén’s song Valerie explore themes of heartbreak, longing, and nostalgia. The singer is addressing Valerie, a past lover whom they miss dearly. The first verse finds the singer reminiscing about looking out over the water and thinking about Valerie. The image that they paint in their head is likely a vivid memory of a time when they were happy together. The second verse is a series of questions from the singer to Valerie, asking about her life since they’ve been apart. The questions range from whether she’s changed her hair to whether she’s found a new love. However, the chorus remains constant throughout the song, with the singer begging Valerie to come back to them, to stop “making a fool” out of them.
The way the singer portrays their longing for Valerie is relatable and poignant. They miss the unique aspects of Valerie, like her ginger hair and fashion sense. It’s also clear that the singer has been struggling since they’ve been apart, and they’re desperate for Valerie to return to them. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the singer's aching desire for Valerie to come back, even though it seems improbable. The song’s melody is upbeat, almost energetic, which contrasts with the heartbreak expressed in the lyrics. This contrast adds to the emotional complexity of the song. Overall, the lyrics to Valerie are a moving exploration of love, loss, and the hope of reunion.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, sometimes I go out by myself
There are times when I choose to leave and spend time alone, without anyone else.
And I look across the water
I gaze across the body of water in front of me, lost in my thoughts.
And I think of all the things, what you're doing
I imagine all the things you might be doing at this very moment, wherever you are.
And in my head I paint a picture
I create a vivid image in my mind, as if the scene were really happening before my eyes.
'Cause since I've come on home
Ever since I returned home from being away, things haven't been going well for me.
Well, my body's been a mess
I'm feeling physically and emotionally drained, like my body is in a state of disarray.
And I've missed your ginger hair
I've been yearning for the familiar sight of your red hair, which I've grown accustomed to seeing.
And the way you like to dress
I've been longing to see you in your unique and fashionable clothing choices.
Won't you come on over
I'm inviting you to come to me, to be here with me in person.
Stop makin' a fool out of me
Please stop taking advantage of my feelings or making me look foolish.
Why don't you come on over, Valerie?
I'm calling out specifically to you, Valerie, asking you to join me and alleviate my loneliness and distress.
Valerie, Valerie, Valerie
I repeat your name, emphasizing how much I miss you and crave your presence in my life.
Did you have to go to jail
I wonder if you've been imprisoned or incarcerated for some reason.
Put your house on up for sale
I wonder if you've had to sell your home, perhaps due to financial difficulties or other circumstances.
Did you get a good lawyer?
I wonder if you managed to find a competent and effective lawyer, if you ever needed one.
I hope you didn't catch a tan
I hope you haven't suffered negative consequences or problems, such as sunburn or some other affliction.
Hope you find the right man
I hope you find the person who is right for you, who can make you happy and fulfill your desires.
Who'll fix it for you
I hope you find someone who can solve any problems or issues you might be facing, and make things better for you.
Are you shopping anywhere?
I wonder if you're out shopping, looking for new things to buy or exploring different stores.
Changed the color of your hair
I wonder if you've dyed your hair a new color, and what it might look like now.
And are you busy?
I wonder if you're keeping yourself occupied with many tasks, projects, or other activities.
And did you have to pay that fine
I wonder if you had to pay a penalty or fee for some reason, such as a traffic violation or other legal issue.
That you were dodging all the time
I wonder if you were trying to avoid or evade a fine or other responsibility, and if you were successful in doing so.
Are you still dizzy?
I wonder if you're still feeling disoriented, confused, or lightheaded for some reason.
Writer(s): Russell Pritchard, Abi Harding, Dave McCabe, Sean Payne, Paul Molloy, Boyan Chowdhury
Contributed by Sydney O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.