In honor of Valentine's Day: The Rise and Fall of the Love Song.

Love songs hold a special place in people's hearts. First loves, lost loves, crazy love all can be summed up in a song for most. Anyone who's had a relationship has had a song you called "our song". This song summed up your relationship or the way you feel/felt about that person.

Sometimes the song was saccharin sweet laced with hearts, stars, romance and wonder. Others are a little darker. A codependent sort of love. A darker need for one another beyond the lovey-dovey surface. Lately though, a love song has had less to do with love and more to do with sex...or a lack there of.

Of course there are songs meant for a younger set that have to do with passing notes, holding hands, candy pop melodies, and puppy love which is fine and good when you are 12 (although, I am not sure why a target demographic would be someone who can't buy things for themselves...but that's another blog.)

All of this is to say, what has happened to a good love song? When did love turn into songs about animalistic sex (and I am not talking about Closer by NIN. This is not a "love" song...contrary to some opinion, although it is a great tune), cheating on your significant other, or stealing someone away from a happy home for selfish plesure. Love is not selfish nor is it the same as lust...at least that's what I've been told. I have felt and received selfish love, I have been party to a bit of lust in my day, and though I may not have experienced true unconditional romantic love I think I have at least seen it hanging out once or twice. Love is patient, according to the good book, love is kind. Love waits forever and is selfless. I haven't heard a song recorded in the last few years that has really captured that the way songs used to. Granted there are a few exceptions that could be sighted, but not many.

I tell people all the time that a mix CD and some grocery store flowers would make me happier than the biggest diamond on earth. So this Valentine's day, if you are as poor as the rest of us, do some research on classic love songs (if you need examples I am available for mix CD consultations), light some candles, cook a tasty meal and enjoy each others company while listening to great music. If you are single like me; make yourself a mix CD, get a pedicure, grab a beer with some friends and still enjoy each others company set to an awesome sound track.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! May cupid hit you square in the tookas!!