In most corners of the world this weekend, certain sections of the economy are going to receive a welcome boost. In particular, restaurants, florists, confectioners and greeting card companies should see a significant swell in their coffers as a result of all the goodwill generated by Valentine’s Day. February 14 has been known as St Valentine’s Day since the end of the fifth century and was called after a number of Christian martyrs who were all named Valentine. According to this site, around a billion Valentine’s cards are sent around the world every year, with men spending twice as much as women during the weekend. In the Middle Ages, lovers spoke or sang their greetings while handwritten cards began to appear in the fifteenth century. Mass produced greeting cards originated in the nineteenth century and, thanks to such companies as Hallmark, it is second only to Christmas as the most profitable period of the year for card companies. Over the years, songwriters have constantly drawn upon the theme of Valentine’s Day as the basis for songs about love and the like. So, for all you funny valentines out there here is a collection of songs to get you in the mood for tomorrow. I’ve also included some blue valentines as well as one for those of you who’ll be celebrating the day on their own. Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody!

Valentine – The Replacements

Belated Valentine – Forget-Me-Nots