Valentine

by J. Graves

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about

It was Valentine’s day and a week prior I had ended a slowly dying, tumultuous relationship that left me feeling more liberated than mournful - I was angry, resentful, and free. I tend to process and understand my experience through my songwriting. I often have no idea what I’m writing about until after the song is complete and I’m able to sit with the composition to get a more comprehensive understanding. This song is written as a mirror. I have a habit of putting others’ needs before my own, making sacrifices, and taking responsibility that isn’t mine. "Valentine" explores that offering, that sacrifice, and the realization of friction, eyes opening to choice - I don’t have to do this anymore. There are parallels in this song - internal bargaining and justification, to external loss and the fear of losing. When the thing you hold is threatened, what would you say to keep it?

lyrics

Come closer now
I could be the lonely one
We could work it out
I could be the only one

Come closer now
I could be the one
We could work it out
I could show you how

Get get get away
Get get get it away
And on the way to the top
But it’s not what you wanted to say
Get get get away
Get get get it away
And on the way to the top
But it’s not what you wanted to say

All I want is borrowed
But that’s a funny way to die
Don’t you know tomorrow?
And don’t you follow
Into the light
Don’t you want me so

I can’t feel you
No tomorrow
I don’t know why
I would borrow
Can’t you feel me
Coming right
I don’t know why
I could die

Come closer now
I could be the only one
We could work it out
I could be the lonely one

credits

released March 15, 2022
"Valentine" was written by Jessa Graves and performed by J. Graves. J. Graves is Aaron MacDonald, Kelly Clifton, and Jessa Graves. "Valentine" was recorded in the J. Graves lair in Portland, Oregon, mixed by Sylvia Massy, and mastered by Amy Dragon of Telegraph Audio.

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about

J. Graves Portland, Oregon

J.Graves is:

Bass - Kelly Clifton
Drums - Aaron MacDonald
Vocals + Guitar - Jessa Graves

jgraves.xyz

shows

Jun 09

Clock-Out Lounge

Seattle, WA
Jun 24

Tractor Tavern

Seattle, WA

discography

Fortress of Fun

Sep 2022
Ass u Me

Aug 2022
Bested

Aug 2022
Go it Alone

May 2022
Marauder

May 2022
Valentine

Mar 2022
Deathbed

Oct 2020
Marathon

Sep 2019
Leap Year Demo

Jan 2017

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