The song "Valerie (Alternate Mix)" by Jerry Garcia portrays a narrative about a troubled relationship with a woman named Valerie. The narrator, possibly Jerry himself, addresses Valerie and expresses confusion and frustration about the state of their relationship. In the song, the narrator claims to have done everything Valerie asked of them, even going as far as getting into a physical altercation with another man but sparing his life. Despite these efforts, Valerie is still distant and unkind. The narrator pleads with her to be good to them and wonders what they have done wrong to warrant such treatment. The narrator assures Valerie that they have never done her any harm and constantly sings the blues, indicating their devotion to her. However, Valerie seems to reject their affection by asking them to go away. The narrator demonstrates their resilience by expressing fearlessness towards the outside world and its challenges, but Valerie's actions are the only thing that truly troubles them. If she were to leave, they would be left feeling lost and uncertain. The narrator asks Valerie to be true to them and acknowledges the impact she has on their emotions, as represented by their shaking feet and inability to play the blues properly. Overall, "Valerie (Alternate Mix)" portrays a relationship filled with confusion, longing, and a desire for reciprocity from Valerie. The song explores themes of devotion, rejection, and the emotional struggles faced when striving for love and understanding.
