Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Soundtrack

When I was younger, our school teacher encouraged us to exchange Valentine’s cards with one another. As you can probably imagine, this turned out to be a bit of a disaster. Many of us ended up feeling just like Charlie Brown, left without a single card. It was clear the teacher hadn’t thought it through. I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Charlie Brown—Valentine’s Day felt even worse than Halloween or Christmas for him. This was the moment when he realized that his peers didn’t like him, and it was a crushing realization for anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of rejection.

Charlie Brown has spent over 50 years waiting by the mailbox for a Valentine, but thankfully, you don’t have to wait any longer! For the very first time, Vince Guaraldi’s complete score from Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975) is available with the release of the 50th Anniversary Extended Edition. This new album includes the full 22 cue score, along with 8 never-before-heard bonus tracks, making it a true treasure for Peanuts fans and music lovers alike.

The special’s soundtrack, composed by the brilliant jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, adds another layer of emotion to the story. Guaraldi, who is best known for his Peanuts music, perfectly captured the bittersweet essence of the special. Though Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown did not receive an official standalone soundtrack release, several of its tracks were later included in compilations like Charlie Brown’s Holiday Hits. The music retains Guaraldi’s signature light jazz feel, with piano-driven melodies that bring a sense of warmth, yet also evoke a certain melancholy that mirrors the story’s themes.

Not only is Vince Guaraldi at the heart of this jazz masterpiece, but his trio also included Seward McCain on electric bass (at Guaraldi’s specific request) and Vince Lateano on drums. Together, they brought a distinctive, soulful energy to the score, creating a timeless soundscape.

Some notable tracks from this special include:

• Heartburn Waltz – A soft, melancholic jazz waltz that underscores the bittersweet nature of the episode.
• Oh, Good Grief – A classic Guaraldi tune that accompanies Charlie Brown’s inevitable disappointment.
• Charlie Brown Blues – A poignant jazz piece that captures the ongoing misfortunes of Charlie Brown.

While Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown may not have the same widespread recognition as A Charlie Brown Christmas, it holds a special place in the hearts of fans for its honest portrayal of childhood emotions and the subtle pains of growing up.

This album is a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, or really, any day your heart is seeking a little extra love. The CD comes with an 8-page insert, while the vinyl features a 4-page insert, packed with art from the special, along with insightful liner notes. The notes offer a track-by-track analysis from producer Sean Mendelson and additional commentary from Jason Mendelson and Derrick Bang, the author of Vince Guaraldi at the Piano. The vinyl edition even includes additional photographs and historical documents, making it a true collector’s item.

From the very first notes, Guaraldi’s melodies radiate longing and tenderness, as if infused with the very essence of Cupid’s arrow. His music doesn’t just accompany Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown—it aches with it, carrying the weight of wanting and the deep yearning for affection. Each note is steeped in the wistful hope and quiet sorrow of unreturned love, mirroring Charlie Brown’s devoted yet unanswered feelings for the Little Red-Haired Girl. Guaraldi’s unparalleled ability to transform raw emotion into melody is on full display, weaving a soundscape that pulls at the heartstrings. The music doesn’t just tell the story—it feels it, capturing the universal experience of longing for someone who may never feel the same way.

Fun Fact: The special earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Children’s Special at the 27th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1975. That year, it was one of two Peanuts specials recognized, alongside It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown. However, both ultimately lost to Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus—another production from Peanuts animator and producer Bill Melendez.

Track listing:

1. Heartburn Waltz
2. Heartburn Waltz (Reprise)
3. Linus and Lucy
4. Valentine Interlude #1 / Heartburn Waltz (2nd Reprise)
5. Piano Sonata No. 20 in G Major, Op. 49 No. 2 – 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
6. Heartburn Waltz (3rd Reprise)
7. Linus and Lucy (Reprise)
8. Paw Pet Overture
9. Freddie’s Mood (Chopin’s Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2)
10. Heartburn Waltz (4th Reprise)
11. Never Again
12. Music Box Dance (Bach’s Minuet in G Major, BWV Anh. 116)
13. Woodstock’s Mambo
14. Heartburn Waltz (5th Reprise)
15. Jennie L
16. Heartburn Waltz (6th Reprise)
17. Valentine Interlude #2 / Heartburn Waltz (7th Reprise)
18. There’s Been a Change
19. Woodstock’s Revenge
20. Charlie Brown’s Wake-Up
21. Heartburn Waltz (8th Reprise)
22. Freddie’s Mood (Show Version)
23. Heartburn Waltz (Bonus Mix)
24. Jennie L. (Alternate Take)
25. Heartburn Waltz (Alternate Take)
26. Woodstock’s Mambo (Bonus Mix)
27. Heartburn Waltz (Reprise)
28. There’s Been a Change (Alternate Take)
29. Heartburn Waltz (5th Reprise) (Bonus Mix)
30. Last Call for Love