Well sometimes I go out by myself
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what you’re doing
And in my head I paint a picture
Since I’ve come on home,
Well my body’s been a mess
And I’ve missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Won’t you come on over
Stop making a fool out of me
Why don’t you come on over, Valerie?
Valerie
Valerie
Valerie
Did you have to go to jail,
Put your house on up for sale, did you get a good lawyer?
I hope you didn’t catch a tan,
I hope you find the right man who’ll fix it for ya
Are you shopping anywhere,
Changed the color of your hair, are you busy?
And did you have to pay that fine
That you were dodging all the time, are you still dizzy?
Since I’ve come on home,
Well my body’s been a mess
And I’ve missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Won’t you come on over?
Stop making a fool out of me
Why don’t you come on over, Valerie?
Valerie
Valerie
Valerie
Well sometimes I go out by myself
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what you’re doing
And in my head I paint a picture
Since I’ve come on home,
Well my body’s been a mess
And I’ve missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Won’t you come on over?
Stop making a fool out of me
Why don’t you come on over, Valerie?
Valerie
Valerie
Valerie
Valerie
Valerie
Valerie
Why don’t you come over, Valerie?
Reflecting on Longing and Nostalgia
In Bruno Mars’ soulful rendition of “Valerie,” the lyrics capture a sense of yearning and reminiscence. The narrator expresses the ache of missing someone special, reminiscing about their unique traits and the moments they shared. The vivid imagery—like “ginger hair” and the way Valerie dresses—paints a personal portrait of longing. Throughout the song, there’s a gentle plea for reconnection, as the repeated question, “Why don’t you come on over, Valerie?” echoes the hope that the distance will soon be bridged. The conversational tone and relatable questions about Valerie’s life invite listeners to reflect on loved ones they’ve lost touch with, amplifying the song’s emotional resonance.
Song Credits
“Valerie” was originally written by Dave McCabe and the members of The Zutons. Bruno Mars’ version is a tribute performance, popularized through his live sessions.