Victor Hugo once said, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.” If you’re having a hard time figuring out how to express your feelings this Valentine’s Day, sometimes turning to the great musicians of the world to say it for you is your best option.
Creating a successful Valentine’s Day playlist or mix CD is an art form, and with billions of love songs to choose from, it can be a little daunting. One of the key things to remember, though, is that one man’s romantic gem could be another’s tacky piece of crap, so choose based on what you like.
Also, be sure to do a little homework on the song lyrics before you burn it to a disc. The last thing you want is to put on the innocently titled “This Love” by Maroon 5 only to realize that it’s really about how much a guy hates his girlfriend.
Below is a list of suggested songs and a brief description of their sentiments:
1. “First Day Of My Life” — Bright Eyes
Basic sentiment: I never really lived until you came into my life.
Most telling line: “I think I was blind before I met you.”
2. “Lover” — Devendra Banhart
Basic sentiment: I just want to love you!
Most telling line: “And I-I, I wanna open your door/And love you ‘til you’re sore.”
3. “Do You Realize?” — The Flaming Lips
Basic sentiment: Life goes quickly, so make sure you tell people how you feel about them.
Most telling line: “Do you realize, that you have the most beautiful face?”
4. “Falling Slowly” — Glen Hansard and Mark√É.√©ta Irglov√É.√°
Basic sentiment: I’m slowly falling in love with you.
Most telling line: “I don’t know you, but I want you all the more for that.”
5. “Fools In Love” — Inara George
Basic sentiment: Love is messy, clumsy and confusing — something that no one should have to go through — but I’m in love with you so I have to deal with it.
Most telling line: “Nothing mean a thing except you and your baby love.”
6. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” [Recorded Live at Daytrotter] — Ingrid Michaelson
Basic sentiment: I know I probably shouldn’t be falling this fast, but I am.
Most telling line: “Wise men say only fools rush in/But I can’t help falling in love with you.”
7. “She Moves In Her Own Way” — The Kooks
Basic sentiment: We’re two very independent people, but we love each other because of it.
Most telling line: “But uh oh, I love her because/She moves in her own way/But uh oh oh, she came to my show/Just to hear about my day.”
8. “Anyone Else But You” — The Moldy Peaches
Basic sentiment: We’re best friends and we love each other, what more can we ask for?
Most telling line: “I don’t see what anyone can see/In anyone else but you.”
9. “Falling For You” — Colbie Caillait
Basic sentiment: I’m falling for you but I don’t know if I should tell you.
Most telling line: “’I’m scared of what you’ll say/So I’m hiding what I’m feeling.”
10. “Dakota” — A Rocket to the Moon
Basic sentiment: I know our love is new, but I think I love you.
Most telling line: “Oh, Dakota, I know our love is new/I barely know ya, I’ve fallen over you.”
11. “Alive With the Glory of Love” — Say Anything
Basic sentiment: I want you so bad!
Most telling line: “I want to do you, right where you’re standing.”
12. “Our Song” — Taylor Swift
Basic sentiment: We don’t have a song, but we have our own soundtrack.
Most telling line: “Our song is the slamming screen doors/Sneakin’ out late, tapping on your window.”
13. “Crooked Teeth” — Death Cab for Cutie
Basic sentiment: I know I probably shouldn’t love you, but I do.
Most telling line: “I’m a war of head versus heart/And it’s always this way.”
14. “Maps” — Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Basic sentiment: Stop looking for love when I care about you so much.
Most telling line: “Wait! They don’t love you like I love you.”
15. “Going Away to College” — Blink 182
Basic sentiment: I love you so much and even though it scares the shit out of me, I’ll do anything for you.
Most telling line: “This world’s an ugly place, but you’re so beautiful to me.”