Valentine's Day Songs That Don't Make You Cringe
Valentine's Day music can go one of two ways: genuinely romantic or so cheesy you can't take it seriously.
Here's how to pick songs that land in the first category, and what to actually do with them besides just adding them to a playlist.
For Couples Who Aren't Super Sappy
Not everyone wants the over-the-top romantic stuff. Some couples are more chill about it.
"Electric Love" - BØRNS Upbeat, fun, romantic without being too serious. Good if you're the kind of couple that jokes around a lot.
"Home" - Edward Sharpe Sweet but playful. Has that "we're weird together and that's perfect" vibe.
"Best Part" - Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R. Modern R&B, smooth, romantic without trying too hard.
"Sea of Love" - Cat Power Vintage feel, kinda dreamy. For couples with good music taste who don't need mainstream stuff.
Make any of these into a custom song poster and you've got a Valentine's gift that feels personal, not generic.
Classic Romance (But Not Cliché)
If you want traditional romantic vibes but don't want the most obvious choices:
"Something" - The Beatles George Harrison wrote this and it's beautiful. Less predictable than "All You Need Is Love."
"La Vie En Rose" - Edith Piaf French, classic, timeless. Especially good if you want something elegant.
"At Last" - Etta James Everyone knows this one but it still works. Hard to go wrong with Etta James.
"The Way You Look Tonight" - Frank Sinatra Old school romance. Your grandparents would approve.
These work well as lyrics art because the lyrics themselves are genuinely poetic.
For Long Distance Couples
Being apart on Valentine's Day sucks. Pick a song that acknowledges that but is still hopeful.
"A Thousand Miles" - Vanessa Carlton Literally about missing someone. Very on theme.
"I Will Follow You Into The Dark" - Death Cab for Cutie Commitment even when things are hard. Maybe a bit heavy for Valentine's but some couples are into that.
"Come Away With Me" - Norah Jones Dreamy and wistful. About wanting to be together.
Make a poster and mail it to them. Shows you put in effort even when you can't be there in person.
Songs for People Who Just Started Dating
Early relationship energy is different. You're not ready for "our song" level commitment yet, but you want to acknowledge the day.
"Sunday Morning" - Maroon 5 Casual, sweet, not too intense.
"She Will Be Loved" - Maroon 5 (Yes, two Maroon 5 songs. Early 2000s romance is a vibe.)
"You Make My Dreams Come True" - Hall & Oates Fun, upbeat, happy. No pressure.
"Your Song" - Elton John Sweet without being overwhelming. Says "I like you" not "let's get married."
A small lyrics poster with one of these is a good first Valentine's gift. Shows effort without being too much.
Anti-Valentine's Day Songs (For Couples with Humor)
Some people find Valentine's Day kind of ridiculous. If you're both in on the joke:
"Love Stinks" - J. Geils Band Obviously ironic if you're actually giving it to your partner.
"Hate to See Your Heart Break" - Paramore Tongue in cheek.
"I Hate Everything About You" - Three Days Grace For couples who playfully roast each other.
Make it into a poster as a gag gift, but also get them a real gift. Don't just do the joke one unless you're 100% sure they'll think it's funny.
Making It a Valentine's Gift
A playlist is fine, but people forget about playlists. Make something physical.
The easy version: Pick your song, create a song lyric poster, frame it, give it to them with chocolate or flowers.
The extra version:
- Make a poster with the lyrics
- Include a handwritten note about why you picked that song
- Add a photo of you two together
- Frame everything together
Suddenly it's not just a poster, it's a whole romantic gesture.
Songs by Love Language
If you know their love language, pick accordingly:
Words of Affirmation: Songs with meaningful lyrics - focus on the words. Make a lyrics typography poster.
Quality Time: Songs about being together. Add a date or memory to the poster.
Physical Touch: Honestly just give them a hug. But sure, a poster too.
Acts of Service: Pick a song they mentioned liking and make the poster without them asking.
Gift Giving: Make it fancy - nice frame, professional printing, whole presentation.
Avoid These Valentine's Clichés
Some songs are just too overdone:
"Thinking Out Loud" - Ed Sheeran It's fine, but every couple used this at their wedding already.
"Perfect" - Ed Sheeran Same issue. Ed Sheeran is great but pick a deeper cut.
"All of Me" - John Legend Again, overplayed. Go with something more unique to you.
Literally anything from The Notebook soundtrack We get it, it's romantic. But come on.
Pick something that feels specific to your relationship, not just "generic romance song #47."
Make It About a Memory
The best Valentine's songs are ones tied to actual experiences you've had together.
- Song playing when you first met
- Song from your first trip together
- Song you both got obsessed with at the same time
- Song from a concert you went to
Make a wedding photo lyrics poster style design but with whatever your meaningful moment was, not just weddings.
The DIY Romantic Gesture
Want to go full romantic? Here's the play:
- Pick a song that has meaning for you two
- Make a custom lyrics poster with that song
- Frame it nicely
- Write out (by hand) why you picked that song
- Plan something simple - dinner, walk, whatever
- Give it to them then
The combination of thoughtful gift + quality time + personal note = successful Valentine's Day.
If You Forgot Until the Last Minute
Valentine's Day is tomorrow and you have nothing? Don't panic.
- Think of literally any song you both like
- Use a lyrics card maker to make something quick
- Print it today
- Buy a frame on your way home
- Write a sincere card
Is it the most planned-out thing? No. But it's personal and thoughtful, which matters more than being early.
For People Who Don't Celebrate Valentine's Day
If you think Valentine's Day is a corporate conspiracy (valid), you can still use these song ideas for other occasions:
- Anniversary gifts
- Random "just because" gestures (arguably better than Valentine's)
- Birthday presents
- Making up after an argument (music helps)
The songs don't care what day it is.
Keep It Simple
You don't need to write a novel or create an elaborate scavenger hunt.
Pick a song that reminds you of them. Make a nice poster. Tell them why.
That's already more thoughtful than most Valentine's gifts people give.
Need help creating your Valentine's gift? Check out our custom song poster maker or explore romantic poster templates to get started.