Solo Valentine’s Songs

Love songs. They play low in the background as candlelight reflects in a lover’s eyes as they look up through batting lashes, ever so lovingly. But what if, on Valentine’s Day, all that’s reflecting in your eyes is the 5:00 remaining on the microwave heating a Stouffer’s lasagna for one?

For a Valentine’s Day many people are more accustomed to – a solo one – here is a list of songs to wistfully while that day away and not be so tired of being alone.

“I Used to Be a King” – Graham Nash, of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fame, penned this gem of loneliness. He sings to someone like a late-night phone call long after they stop worrying about whether to pick up. It’s all right, it’s okay, how are you? For what it’s worth I must say I loved you. And in my bed late at night I miss you.

“I’m Not Crying” – Flight of the Conchords sing the perfect answers for when the tears have been flowing, but your friends suddenly walk in on you. I’m not crying, it’s just been raining on my face…I’ve just been cutting onions, I’m making a lasagna…for one!

“I Can’t Make You Love Me” – Bonnie Raitt, or the crystalline piano version of Bon Iver, sings maybe the quintessential unrequited love song. So much so, at the fifth or sixth repeated listening, the sobs turn to laughter upon noticing what a broken-hearted stereotype you’ve become.

“She’s Long Gone” – Time to crawl out of that pity-bucket and turn on the Black Keys. Yes, She’s long, a-long gone, like Moses through the corn, but you still need to Rock on.

“Just By Myself” – Greg Brown sings this most perfect little anthem about finding happiness alone; watching couples argue and laughing to oneself. And yet after the last refrain of Happy happy happy happy happy happy happy by myself, Greg sighs a deep, deep sigh.