The meaning of Valley Girl by Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa's "Valley Girl" is a song that has become synonymous with the iconic 1980s Valley girl culture. The song was released in 1982 on Zappa's album "Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Frank," and it tells the story of a young woman who embodies the quintessential Valley girl spirit.

The lyrics of the song are written from the perspective of a man who is enamored with this Valley girl, who speaks in a distinctive dialect characterized by the use of non-sequiturs, slang, and a laid-back, carefree attitude. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "Gag me with a spoon!" which has become a cultural touchstone.

The song's protagonist is drawn to the Valley girl's carefree nature and her tendency to speak in a stream-of-consciousness style, often using phrases like "fer shure" and "like." The lyrics are full of clever wordplay and references to 1980s pop culture, including mentions of Duran Duran and the movie "E.T."

Despite its lighthearted tone, "Valley Girl" is also a commentary on the superficiality of 1980s popular culture. Zappa was known for his biting social commentary, and this song is no exception. The Valley girl's obsession with trivial things like fashion and celebrity gossip serves as a metaphor for the vacuity of modern society.

Throughout the song, Zappa's virtuosic guitar playing provides a frenetic backdrop to the lyrics, creating a sense of manic energy that perfectly captures the Valley girl's hyperactive personality. Overall, "Valley Girl" is a love letter to the excesses of 1980s popular culture, and it remains one of Frank Zappa's most beloved and enduring songs.