What is the real meaning behind Valentine's Day?

While the date is meant to honor Saint Valentine's death and burial , which supposedly occurred in mid-February around 270 AD, some historians believe the date could reflect the Catholic Church's attempt to replace the ancient Pagan celebration of Lupercalia — a fertility festival for the pagan agricultural god Faunus — ...

What is the sad story behind Valentine's Day?

Valentine is likely based on a combination of two Valentines who were executed on February 14 in different years by Roman Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century A.C.E. , according to NPR. The Catholic Church maybe have established St. Valentine's Day to honor these two martyrs.

What is the sad song by David Bowie?

For Bowie, the paradigm of this “dreadful state” and his desire to get away from it, came to the fore with one song in particular. “A very sad song for me is ' Sound And Vision '. I was trying very hard to drag myself out of an awful period of my life,” he opined of the stunning anthem.”

What happened on Valentine's Day?

While imprisoned, Valentine cared for his fellow prisoners and also his jailor's blind daughter . Legend has it that Valentine cured the girl's blindness and that his final act before being executed was to write her a love message signed 'from your Valentine'. Valentine was executed on 14 February in the year 270.

Who was the real killer in Valentine?

This reveals that Adam was a cover identity for Jeremy Melton , who had committed all the murders and framed Dorothy for his crimes to exact his revenge.

Who was the killer on Valentine's day?

THE COLDEST CASE: Since February 14, 1929, when seven men were gunned down inside a Clark Street garage, the mastermind behind the St. Valentine's Day Massacre has remained a mystery, though suspicions usually point to Al Capone .

What is David Bowie's biggest song?

David Bowie's " Let's Dance " and "Fame" lead his all-time top 20 biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

What's the number one saddest song?

#1 “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. ... #2 “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. ... #3 “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan. ... #4 “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton. ... #5 “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley. ... #6 “Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime” by The Korgis. ... #7 “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel. More items... Feb 1, 2023

What is the most upbeat David Bowie song?

Modern Love (1983) This catchy, tongue-in-cheek song encourages us to reflect on romance in the modern age. Released in 1983, it sees Bowie at his most jazzy and upbeat, playing saxophone that makes you want to dance to the nearest club.

Is Valentine's day biblical?

While certain elements might lead people to believe Valentine's Day is Christian, the first celebrations might have been less than holy . Some historians believe that Valentine's Day originated as a pagan festival and was later adopted by the church to honor Saint Valentine.

Should Christians celebrate Valentine's day?

If that works for you, do it. But the biblical pattern teaches us that romantic love between husband and wife should be on display often and much. It isn't that celebrating Valentine's Day is too much; it is too little and weak. Christians, live your married years so that you don't need Valentine's Day.

Is Space Oddity a sad song?

It came from a feeling of sadness about this aspect of the space thing, it has been dehumanized , so I wrote a song-farce about it, to try and relate science and human emotion. I suppose it's an antidote to space fever, really. By the end of 1968, Bowie had begun to feel alienation from his career.

What year did David Bowie have a hit with sorrow?

It became a big hit in the United Kingdom in a version by the Merseys, reaching number 4 on the UK chart on 28 April 1966 . A version by David Bowie charted worldwide in 1973.

The Meaning Behind The Song: Valentine's Day by David Bowie (2024)

The Meaning Behind The Song: Valentine’s Day by David Bowie

David Bowie’s “Valentine’s Day” stands as a poignant piece in his musical repertoire, and its layered meanings add depth to the listening experience. Released as the fourth single from his 25th studio album, “The Next Day,” in 2013, the song not only captivates with its melodic allure but also unfolds a sobering message on the complex issue of gun control.

Table of Contents

The Psychology of a School Shooter

At its core, “Valentine’s Day” delves into the psychology of a school shooter. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of inner turmoil and darkness, exploring the mindset of an individual capable of committing a violent act. Bowie, known for his ability to tackle diverse and challenging subjects through his music, chose to address a deeply unsettling societal issue.

The Recording Process

Recorded as one of the final pieces for “The Next Day,” “Valentine’s Day” came to life at the Magic Shop in New York City. The backing track was laid down on July 24, 2012, while Bowie’s vocals were added on September 18, 2012, at Human Worldwide Studios in the same city. The deliberate choice of recording locations adds an element of authenticity to the song, capturing the energy of New York, a city known for its diversity and complexity.

Release and Recognition

“Valentine’s Day” made its official debut on August 19, 2013, in the UK, followed by its release on the 20th in the US and other countries. The single quickly gained attention, earning a spot on BBC Radio 2’s A-list in early August 2013. It entered the UK’s Airplay Chart Top 40 on August 9, 2013, showcasing its impact on the airwaves.

Misleading Title: A Song of Social Commentary

Despite its title, “Valentine’s Day” takes an unexpected turn away from themes of romance or affection. Instead, it serves as a vehicle for Bowie to deliver a profound social commentary on a disturbing reality: gun violence. The dissonance between the title and the song’s content invites listeners to reconsider preconceived notions and challenges societal norms.

The University Shooting Connection

The song’s connection to a tragic event adds a layer of poignancy. It’s believed that “Valentine’s Day” references a 2008 university shooting in Northern Illinois that occurred on Valentine’s Day. Bowie’s decision to channel this real-world tragedy into his art highlights his commitment to addressing pressing social issues through his platform.

Tony Visconti’s Insight

American producer Tony Visconti, who worked on the track, provided valuable insight into the song’s subject matter. He described it as “pretty scary” and directly related to individuals who commit violent acts with firearms. The choice to address such a sensitive and alarming topic showcases Bowie’s courage to confront societal issues head-on.

The Music Video: Visual Symbolism

The music video for “Valentine’s Day” adds another layer of symbolism to the song’s message. Bowie, playing a G2T Hohner guitar, is visually connected to an unsettling silhouette resembling a gun. Critics have drawn parallels between this image and an infamous photograph of Charlton Heston addressing gun laws at an NRA convention in 2000. Bowie’s intentional use of visual symbolism reinforces the gravity of the song’s theme.

The Final 7-Inch Single: Bowie’s Closing Artistic Statement

“Valentine’s Day” holds a unique place in Bowie’s discography as his final 7-inch single released from a new album during his lifetime. The song, with its weighty subject matter and artistic craftsmanship, serves as a closing statement from an artist who consistently pushed boundaries and used his platform to address societal challenges.

Legacy and Reverberations

“Valentine’s Day” continues to resonate as a thought-provoking piece in the wake of Bowie’s passing in 2016. Its enduring legacy lies not only in its musical composition but in its capacity to spark conversations about gun violence and societal responsibility.

In crafting “Valentine’s Day,” David Bowie created more than a song; he crafted a vessel for societal reflection and discourse. Through its intricate layers of meaning, the song challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and encourages a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. Bowie’s ability to infuse art with social commentary ensures that “Valentine’s Day” remains a compelling and relevant piece of musical storytelling.