Meaning of "Valerie" by The Zutons

The lyrics of "Valerie" by The Zutons tell the story of a person who is longing for the return of someone they miss. The narrator initially describes going out alone and thinking about the person across the water. This imagery suggests a sense of distance and separation, emphasizing the emotional void in their life since the person has been gone. They mention missing the person's ginger hair and unique sense of style, indicating a strong physical and emotional connection to them.

The chorus, "Won't you come on over, stop making a fool out of me, Why won't you come on over Valerie?" reveals the narrator's frustration and desperation for the person's return. They feel like a fool for still holding onto hope even though the person has not come back. This plea for the person to stop making them feel foolish implies that the person may have been playing with the narrator's emotions or leading them on.

The second verse includes a series of questions directed at the person. They wonder if the person has gone to jail, put their house up for sale, or needed a good lawyer. These inquiries suggest that there may have been some legal issues or troubles in the person's life. The narrator expresses hope that the person didn't catch a tan, suggesting their wish that the person hasn't gone to a sunny, enjoyable place while they've been struggling. They also inquire about changes in appearance and busyness in their life. The line, "did you have to pay the fine you were dodging all the time are you still dizzy?" implies that the person may have been avoiding consequences and raises a question of whether they have faced them or are still living in a state of chaos.

Overall, the lyrics of "Valerie" convey a sense of longing, frustration, and yearning for the return of someone who is deeply missed. The narrator's emotions fluctuate between hope and despair as they reflect on the person's absence and the impact it has had on their life.