💋 About the Song
Originally written and recorded by The Zutons in 2006, Valerie was a decent indie hit — jangly guitars, catchy hook, bit of Scouse attitude.
Then Mark Ronson got hold of it, roped in Amy Winehouse, and turned it into solid gold.
Her smoky, swaggering delivery — half Motown, half “I’ve had a pint and I’m still in heels” — made it iconic.
It’s not really about heartbreak; it’s about longing with style. She misses Valerie, sure, but she’s not crying — she’s vibing.
Amy turned what could’ve been a throwaway tune into something that sounds like it’s been around since the ’60s. You can feel the warmth of the band, the sass in her phrasing, and that grin in her voice that says, “yeah, I’m trouble — and so what?”
🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips
- Chords:C – Am – F – G7 – Dm.
- Verse: C – Am – F – G7,
- Chorus: F – G7 – C – Am – Dm – G7 – C.
- Strumming pattern: Funky swing Down–Down–Up–Up–Down-Up around 96 bpm — keep it snappy!
- Tone: Bright and percussive — strum near the bridge for that Motown crackle.
- Feel: Imagine your uke’s a rhythm guitar in a smoky bar — short, sharp, full of bounce.
- Optional move: Chuck mute (light palm slap) between phrases to make it groove.
- Sing tip: Don’t over-polish it — lean into the attitude. Smile mid-line like Amy would’ve.
🧠 Trivia You Can Drop Casually
- Valerie was written about Valerie Star, a makeup artist the Zutons’ frontman dated.
- Amy recorded her vocals for Mark Ronson’s Version in just a few takes — pure magic.
- It hit #2 in the UK and became one of the most-performed songs of the 2000s.
- The BBC once called it “the last great Motown record that isn’t from Motown.” Fair.
🌈 Final Word
Play Valerie like it’s a flirty conversation after your third drink — confident, playful, a little tipsy but totally in control.
Keep your strum tight, your grin big, and your voice full of charm.
If the crowd doesn’t start clapping along by the second chorus, check their pulse.
