About The Song
There is a timeless elegance in songs that capture love in its purest, most unguarded form — the kind of love that transcends grand gestures and instead finds its beauty in quiet affirmations. Martina McBride’s “Valentine” — a duet with renowned pianist and composer Jim Brickman — is precisely such a song. Released in 1997, “Valentine” blends McBride’s crystalline vocals with Brickman’s tender piano craftsmanship, resulting in a ballad that has since become an enduring favorite, not only for weddings and anniversaries but for anyone wishing to express heartfelt devotion with simplicity and grace. Originally featured on Brickman’s album Picture This and later included in McBride’s Evolution, the track showcases the seamless merging of country and adult contemporary sensibilities — a testament to both artists’ versatility and emotive finesse.
At the heart of “Valentine” lies an unpretentious lyricism that speaks volumes through its restraint. Lines such as “If there were no words, no way to speak / I would still hear you” evoke the quiet assurance of a love that needs no embellishment. It is this understated lyricism — penned by Brickman and songwriter Jack Kugell — that allows the song to resonate so deeply with listeners. Rather than leaning on elaborate metaphor or intricate storytelling, “Valentine” communicates love through the language of presence and constancy. It is a declaration of unwavering commitment, one that feels both intimate and universal.
Vocally, Martina McBride delivers a performance marked by her hallmark clarity and restraint. Known for her powerhouse anthems and soaring soprano, she opts here for a more delicate delivery that matches the song’s tender tone. Her phrasing is gentle, almost conversational, yet imbued with warmth that carries the emotional weight of the lyrics effortlessly. Complementing her is Jim Brickman’s graceful piano accompaniment — his signature style of melodic, flowing chord progressions creates a lush, yet unobtrusive backdrop that allows McBride’s voice to remain front and center. Their duet feels less like two distinct performances and more like a seamless musical conversation.
Musically, “Valentine” bridges genres with remarkable fluidity. While McBride’s country roots are evident in her subtle vocal inflections, the overall arrangement leans more toward soft pop and adult contemporary, making it accessible to a broad audience. The song’s minimal instrumentation — primarily piano with soft strings and understated percussion — enhances its intimacy, allowing listeners to focus on the message rather than production flourishes.
In the broader landscape of love songs, “Valentine” occupies a special niche. It eschews bombast and dramatics, instead offering a gentle, sincere reflection on enduring affection. For both Martina McBride and Jim Brickman, it stands as a career highlight that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. It is, quite simply, a reminder that sometimes the most profound love is expressed not in grandiose proclamations but in the quiet understanding shared between two hearts.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
If there were no wordsNo way to speakI would still hear youIf there were no tearsNo way to feel insideI’d still feel for youAnd even if the sun refused to shineEven if romance ran out of rhymeYou would still have my heartUntil the end of timeYou’re all I need, my love, my ValentineAll of my lifeI have been waiting forAll you give to meYou’ve opened my eyesAnd shown me how to love unselfishlyI’ve dreamed of this a thousand times beforeBut in my dreams I couldn’t love you moreI will give you my heartUntil the end of timeYou’re all I need, my love, my ValentineAnd even if the sun refused to shineEven if romance ran out of rhymeYou would still have my heartUntil the end of time‘Cause all I need is you, my ValentineYou’re all I need, my love, my Valentine