The Valley

Album: Wildheart (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Wildheart is full of candid lyrics in which Miguel talks dirty. This track, for instance, finds him describing making love in vivid detail. He alludes to sex with his girl, "like we're filming in the valley," a reference to San Fernando Valley, the home of a multi-billion dollar pornography industry.
  • Speaking with British magazine Shortlist, Miguel insisted that females appreciate his candidness when singing about sex. "If you're not in a relationship, it's the epitome of everything you would want to say. I just say what I feel, and I've always been good at saying it the way we want to say it, as men. 'Quickie' is a good reference for that, on my first album - it was a more playful way of saying it, less animalistic or visceral," he explained. "I'm saying what we want to say, and it comes across as real, so women aren't offended by it. It's like, 'At least he's being honest.' They just want to hear it the way it is. Sometimes it's maybe brash, but at least you can respect it."
  • Many might feel scandalized by a song where Miguel sings about having sex with a lover like he hates her, but Miguel's girlfriend is not among them. He told Q magazine: "It's her favorite song. It's just a reflection of my personality. The context of sexuality is spiritual to me. I feel comfortable exploring the dynamics of my emotion and my energy in the throes of that moment. She knows me. I'm a very sexual person."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).