Valentine's Day
James Taylor · Never Die Young [1988]
Fin to fin and side to side
For fishy love has now begun
Fishy love, finny fun
Paper moon, paper heart
Pink balloon, work of art
Al Capone, Bugs Moran
Valentine's Day
Bootleg gin, porkpie hat
Dew Drop Inn, dirty rat
Through the heart, Cupid's dart
Valentine's Day
Day to repay the one that you love
Gentlemen take off your hats as I speak thereof
Just a brief break from the push and the shove
We may go a few rounds without boxing gloves
Land your punch, I stand my ground
We break for lunch and a second round
We set them up, we knock them down
Valentine's Day
Me and you, you and him
Him and her, us and them
We keep score, love as war
Valentine's Day
I lost my teeth, I lost my hair
I lost my mind, you don't care
Love is war, all is fair
On Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day - James Taylor
James Taylor's 'Valentine's Day,' featured on her 1988 album *Never Die Young*, stands as a poignant exploration of romantic longing and the passage of time. Released during a period where Taylor revisited her songwriting roots, the track blends her signature acoustic guitar work with a melodic structure that balances vulnerability with resilience. The song reflects her enduring ability to capture intimate human emotions, characteristic of her career spanning from the folk-pop era of the 1960s to her later reflective works. Rather than focusing on the specifics of the holiday, the recording delves into the universal themes of love, memory, and the quiet moments that define relationships. It serves as a testament to her mastery of storytelling through music, offering listeners a glimpse into her personal perspective on romance and the enduring nature of feeling.