Valerie 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007
by Amy Winehouse
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Mood
Song Analysis for Valerie 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007
Amy Winehouse's version of "Valerie" is a cover, with the original song written and performed by the British indie rock band The Zutons. The meaning is rooted in a true story of long-distance love and legal trouble. The song was written by The Zutons' frontman, Dave McCabe, about his then-girlfriend, Valerie Star, a makeup artist from New York. McCabe wrote the song in about twenty minutes in the back of a taxi as a "musical postcard" to Star.
The lyrics detail McCabe's longing for Star to join him in the UK, a plan that was derailed when she was arrested for multiple driving offenses, including driving on a suspended license. This led to a serious legal battle, which is referenced directly in the lyrics: "Did you have to go to jail, put your house on up for sale, did you get a good lawyer?". Star faced the possibility of prison and had to spend a significant amount of money on legal fees, preventing her from traveling. The song captures McCabe's feelings of helplessness and concern, as he misses her physical presence—her "ginger hair and the way you like to dress"—while she deals with her crisis across the ocean. Though performed by Winehouse, the narrative remains that of McCabe's plea to his girlfriend, filled with specific, personal details of a difficult time in their relationship.
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Released on the same day as Valerie 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007 (January 1)
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Song Discussion - Valerie 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007 by Amy Winehouse
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