“Valentine’s Day” by James Taylor

Back on 14 February 1929, during an era in which many consider gangsterism to have been at its peak in America, an incident occurred known as the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. Said killing resulted in four members of a gang headed by Bugs Moran (1893-1957) being gunned down by murderers posing as law-abiding policeman. 

To this day, nearly a century later, no one knows for sure who committed these murders. But the generally accepted explanation is that it was ordered by none other than the infamous Al Capone (1899-1947). Capone was known to be Moran’s hated rival in the alcohol-bootlegging game.

So basically, what James Taylor has done here is render a poetic retelling of said event. Outside of a singular mention of “Al Capone”, “Bug Maron” and few other clues sprinkled here and there, one would not be able to ascertain that this song is actually about one of the most ruthless executions to ever occur in the United States based on the lyrics alone. 

Indeed if a listener doesn’t take time, with the numerous mentions of “Valentine’s Day” and all, he or she may even be led to believe that this is a love song. And indeed such misdirection seems intentional on the part of Taylor, as he goes about equating “love” with “war” and what have you.

When did James Taylor release “Valentine’s Day”?

 “Valentine’s Day” is a song by American musician, singer and songwriter, James Taylor. It was released in January of 1988 as the 5th track on a 10-tracked album with the title, “Never Die Young”.

Credits

Taylor was responsible for the composition of “Valentine’s Day”. On the other hand, the son’s production has been credited to Don Grolnick.

The “Never Die Young” Album

Jazz pianist and music producer from the US, Don Grolnick was responsible for the production of “Never Die Young”.

The album, which was released in January 1988, is Taylor’s 12th studio album. It was supported by Columbia Records.

The album features Taylor’s hit song of the same title, “Never Die Young”. The said song is one of two singles released for the purposes of the album’s promotion. It happens to be the only single from the album to find a spot on the charts. The album’s other single is “Sun on the Moon”. “Valentine’s Day” didn’t come out as a single from this album.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago

The city of Chicago was popularly known for their indulgence in organized crime in the early 1900s. By the 1920s, crime syndicates like the North Gang Mob and the South Side Gang had taken control over the city. These gangs engaged in selling drugs, gambling, indulging in extortion, engaging in prostitution among other vices. The rivalry between these gangs and the thirst to control the sectors of their financial flow resulted in a series of violence.

On the 14th of February, 1929, 5 gang members and 2 associates of the Irish-American criminal organization, North Side Mob were gunned down at a warehouse in Lincoln Park, Chicago. This gang was headed by George “Bugs” Moran. The victims were lined up and each shot.

A number of notorious figures were suspected to be the perpetrators of this crime. One of these suspects was the ruthless gang lord Al Capone. Capon was known for eliminating his competition by killing them. Some members of the Chicago Police Department were also suspected of this murder as an act of vengeance on behalf of their colleague.

It was revealed that the victims were murdered by 4 assailants. Two of these assailants were dressed as uniformed police officers.

The tragic incident is referred to as the “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre“. This is because it happened on Valentine’s Day of 1929.