For the love of rock
Vol IV, Issue 10 – Valentine (Live) (15 May 2019)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Valentine (Live)
Singer – Nils Lofgren
Writer– Nils Lofgren
Album- Silver Lining
Release year– 1991
Valentine (Live)
No doubt, Nils Lofgren would be a surprise name for many rock fans. It would perhaps be better to introduce him as the guitarists for two legends-Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young.
He was the member with Bruce Springsteen’s “E Street band” and Neil Young’s “Crazy Horse.” Besides, it would be unjust to disregard his solo professional career; he started his career as a guitarist and formed his own band “Grin”.
He was soon picked up by Neil Young in his band and his career rocketed. Undoubtedly, he is an impressive guitarist and a multi-instrumentalist, and also had a respectable solo career. Although he did not have many hits, some of his numbers definitely deserve a respectable mention. “Valentine” is one of those.
“Valentine” is a song taken from his 1991 album “Silver Lining”, which is considered as one of his most solid and consistent albums. It had rockers as well as sentimental songs in it. “Valentine” is the most remarkable one, not only for the beauty of the song itself, but also because it had Bruce Springsteen “The Boss’ in the background vocals. This single has the original, short/edit version as well as the longer album version and all are equally impressive. The song also has many live versions, but this version recorded from the concert in Cologne is definitely one of the best versions.
This is one case where the live version is definitely much superior to the original version, like Thin Lizzy’s “Still in love with you”, Pink Floyd’s “Coming back to life” etc. The song begins with the quietly haunting keyboards with the soft crowd chant which blends with Nil’s fine guitar lead. Once the drum starts, then the song takes the speed.
A simple love song, the emotions shed can be easily felt in Nil’s vocals as well as guitar. Smooth bass, haunting keyboards and steady drums, all work in tandem to beautify the song. Nil’s vocals can be felt smoothly singing in blissful agony. The solo at the end is much longer as well as more charismatic than the original album version. He has literally made the guitar sing along.
The way he handles his guitar in this song is just phenomenal and it absolutely captivates the listener perfectly. Definitely a sentimental rocker, the song has been the pinnacle in Nil’s half a century long musical career.Yes, most of the times, the guy at the guitar may be overshadowed by the legendary figures but when in limelight, they can always stand out, just like Nil has done in “Valentine”……A marvelous sentimental rock number which pleads out forever to all the valentines!! Happy listening!!! Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com
Valentine (Live)
Today I’m thinking about the world we live in
All the love and hate that’s floating around
And all the times I’ve felt so lost and helpless
You’ve stood by me you never let me down
Still I keep throwing up these walls
Most of them I’ve built with stone
You tear them down and bridge the distance
Knowing we ain’t here to be alone
So let your blue heart open wide
Let’s never leave our dreams behind
It would comfort and restore my pride
If you let me be your valentine
Our differences are part of life
Still love will pass the test of time
I want you every day and night
Girl won’t you be my valentine
Be my valentine, be my valentine,
Be my valentine, be my valentine
Ohho oh!
Still I keep throwing up these walls
Most of them I’ve built with stone
You tear them down and bridge the distance
Baby, knowing we ain’t here to be alone
So let your blue heart open wide
Let’s never leave our dreams behind
It would comfort and restore my pride
If you let me be your valentine
Our differences are part of life
Still love will pass the test of time
I want you every day and night
Girl won’t you be my valentine
Be my valentine, be my valentine,
Be my valentine, be my valentine,
Be my valentine, be my valentine,
Be my valentine, be my valentine!
Lyrics link-https://genius.com/Nils-lofgren-valentine-lyrics
Video link – https://youtu.be/CsuwpYo6RhQ