In honor of couples walking even slower down the middle of the sidewalk, I made this playlist specifically for people celebrating Valentine’s Day. If you wanted more vulgar and graphic love songs, I apologize, but this is a wholesome, family-friendly holiday, and kids might be reading this.

“Your Wildest Dreams” – The Moody Blues

This song follows the pursuit of a lover lost in time. Songwriter Justin Hayward wonders if his girlfriend still thinks about him, and longs to have the same affection given to him that he gave to someone in his past. This is an example of an atypically great-sounding typical love song, as, despite the somewhat cliché messages, we still relate to them as strongly as ever. The section with Hayward’s deep bass voice is what I will be dreaming of this weekend.

“Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Ole Oak Tree” – Tony Orlando

“Tie a Yellow Ribbon” tells the story of a man returning home to someone who he is unsure still has the same feelings for him as she did before. In the 19th century, women wore yellow ribbons to signify that their loved one was serving in the cavalry. In this song, Tony Orlando asks his lover to put a “yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree” to show that she still loves him. The end of the song offers a pleasant surprise for the man on the bus back home, and for all of the listeners.

“Love the One You’re With” – Stephen Stills

Stephen Stills, along with bandmates David Crosby and Graham Nash on background vocals, provides a fun and catchy tune about sticking it out with the one you have. Apart from the heavenly harmonies and rhythms throughout the song, it also tells a great message. If the person you are with makes you happy, then why would you ever want more? The message is similar to a Paul Newman quote on staying loyal to his wife: “Why fool around with hamburger when you have steak at home?”

“Pictures of You” – The Cure

In the most powerful punch from their 1989 magnum opus, “Disintegration,” The Cure masterfully craft one of the most poignant pieces of music ever. Songwriter Robert Smith came up with the idea for this song after a fire broke out in his house. Among the remains, Smith found his wallet, which contained a few pictures of his wife, Mary who he is still happily married to today. This has always been one of my favorite songs, and I was fortunate enough to see The Cure perform live in 2018, which is an experience I will hold with me forever.

“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” – The Shirelles

I have very fond memories of dancing to this song when I was about four years old, on my grandma’s linoleum-tiled kitchen floor when she would play this song on a cassette. Between the beautiful voice of lead singer, Shirley Owens, and an orchestral-like instrumental solo in the middle, this song asks a lover if he is there to stay. Hopefully, none of you have to ask your date or significant other this question before Monday, and their love is one you can be sure of.