lewisandhisblog:

The Get Up Kids - “Valentine”

The Get Up Kids’ “Valentine” is the classic indie rock Valentine’s Day song. It’s overtly sentimental and sad without ever sounding sardonic or insincere. Since the release of the pop punk-inflected indie emo classic Something To Write Home About in 1999, ”Valentine” has graced countless February 14th mixtapes and CDs of musically-inclined romantics, and the song honestly doesn’t show any sign of losing its sincerity any time soon. I included it on my Valentine’s Day mix this year, and I’m sure that if I end up making one next year, there will be a spot for this song again.

The best part about “Valentine” is that it appeals to both kinds of people on Valentine’s Day. For those of us lucky enough to have someone to spend Valentine’s Day with, Matt Pryor’s sweet, irreverent vocals and the song’s topical subject matter will definitely resonate. Meanwhile, for single folks, the song’s relatively slow tempo and sad, wistful lyrics are sure to sooth your lonely hearts. 

No matter what side we fall on, this song is here for us. Although its appeal may now only be nostalgic for those of us who grew up around when this was released, what’s wrong with a little high school nostalgia every once in a while? Valentine’s Day only comes once a year.