Carol Ann Duffy

Lyrics

51 ContributorsValentine LyricsNot a red rose or a satin heart.
I give you an onion.
It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light
like the careful undressing of love.
Here.
It will blind you with tears
like a lover.
It will make your reflection
a wobbling photo of grief.
I am trying to be truthful.
Not a cute card or a kissogram.
I give you an onion.
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,
possessive and faithful
as we are,
for as long as we are.
Take it.
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring,
if you like.
Lethal.
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
cling to your knife.

Some short introduction paragraphs about the most important things about the song.

When it comes to love and romance, many poems and songs tend to follow the same clichés and stereotypes. But Carol Ann Duffy's "Valentine" breaks free from these tired tropes, offering a refreshing and unconventional take on love. This thought-provoking poem, taken from Duffy's 1993 collection "Mean Time," challenges our preconceived notions of gift-giving and explores the true essence of human love. With its unique structure, evocative language, and ironic imagery, "Valentine" captivates readers and prompts them to reconsider their understanding of love.

About "Valentine"

In "Valentine," Duffy presents a first-person narrative, addressing a second person, simply referred to as "you." This intimate and personal approach immediately draws readers in, inviting them to immerse themselves in the emotional journey of the poem. The speaker uses informal everyday language, devoid of elaborate metaphors and similes, which adds to the authenticity of the message. The sincerity that permeates the poem is unmistakable, presenting love in a refreshingly honest light. Duffy cleverly subverts conventional expressions of love by offering unexpected and unique "gifts" instead of the typical symbols of affection. Through vivid imagery and ironic references, the poet challenges the notion that love can be neatly packaged and commodified. She mentions a "moon wrapped in brown paper" and dismisses the traditional notions of a "red rose" or a "wedding ring." This departure from the expected allows readers to ponder the true significance of love beyond material trinkets. The structure of "Valentine" is as memorable as its content. The poem follows a free verse form with a first person narrator, keeping the lines short and concise. Some stanzas consist of just one line, creating a sense of brevity and focus. This structure mirrors the layers of an onion, which the poem alludes to metaphorically. Each line peels away another layer, revealing deeper insights into love and relationships. One fascinating aspect of the title "Valentine" is its polysemic nature. It can refer to the measurement of time known as Greenwich Mean Time, symbolizing the inescapable nature of time itself. The expression "in the meantime" also plays a role, signifying the wait for significant events or changes. Furthermore, the title hints at the personified "mean time," representing time as malevolent and ominous. These multiple interpretations add complexity and depth to the poem, aligning with the overall tone of sparse bleakness that pervades Duffy's collection. While the intended recipient of the poem's message remains unknown, it is suggested that "you" is someone who would typically receive a "cute card," possibly a woman. This aligns with Duffy's own experiences, as she has had both male and female partners in her life. Nevertheless, "Valentine" should not be seen purely as a biographical reflection but as a universal exploration of love's intricacies and contradictions. Carol Ann Duffy's "Valentine" stands as a remarkable example of a love poem that defies convention. With its conversational style, sincere narration, and unexpected imagery, the poem challenges readers to revisit their assumptions about love and relationships. By breaking free from clichés and offering a fresh perspective, "Valentine" continues to captivate audiences and remind us of the complexities of the human heart.

• Release Date: 1993
• Artist: Carol Ann Duffy