Whereas it takes effort and time to realize success, there are those that have been in a position to make their mark from day one. Janis Ian proves this level with the truth that at 12 years outdated she was writing songs for herself-and they ended up on her debut album!
Ian who’s celebrating her birthday at the moment is a good instance of what might be achieved once you put your thoughts to it and work onerous. So, in the event you’re feeling discouraged, do not forget that it’s potential to realize your goals-it simply may take a little bit longer than you initially thought.
One in every of Janis Ian’s most well-known songs is “At Seventeen.” The track is a coming-of-age anthem concerning the struggles of being an adolescent. It is a relatable track that has resonated with folks for many years.
When requested concerning the track, Janis Ian mentioned that what she like greatest about ‘At Seventeen’ is that it is change into this generational anthem. It appears to talk to each era otherwise, nevertheless it all the time speaks to them.
“At Seventeen” is a coming-of-age track concerning the insecurity and loneliness that comes with being an adolescent. The lyrics are filled with angst and despair, however they’re additionally filled with hope and resilience. It is a track that completely captures the teenage expertise.
I realized the reality at seventeen
That love was meant for magnificence queens
And highschool ladies with clear-skinned smiles
Who married younger after which retired
The valentines I by no means knew
The Friday night time charades of youth
Have been spent on yet one more stunning
At seventeen I realized the reality…
And people of us with ravaged faces
Missing within the social graces
Desperately remained at residence
Inventing lovers on the telephone
Who referred to as to say “come dance with me”
And murmured imprecise obscenities
It is not all it appears at seventeen…
A brown eyed woman in hand me downs
Whose title I by no means may pronounce
Mentioned: “Pity please those who serve
They solely get what they deserve”
The wealthy relationed hometown queen
Marries into what she wants
With a assure of firm
And haven for the aged…
So keep in mind those that win the sport
Lose the love they sought to realize
In debitures of high quality and doubtful integrity
Their small-town eyes will gape at you
In boring shock when fee due
Exceeds accounts acquired at seventeen…
To these of us who knew the ache
Of valentines that by no means got here
And people whose names had been by no means referred to as
When selecting sides for basketball
It was way back and much away
the world was youthful than at the moment
when desires had been all they gave free of charge
to ugly duckling ladies like me…
All of us play the sport, and after we dare
We cheat ourselves at solitaire
Inventing lovers on the telephone
Repenting different lives unknown
That decision and say: “Come on, dance with me”
And murmur imprecise obscenities
At ugly ladies like me, at seventeen…
Janis Ian “At Seventeen” Lyrics Which means Interpreted
The lyrics of “At Seventeen” are sometimes taken to be autobiographical, and so they might be. However even when they don’t seem to be, they nonetheless completely seize the expertise of being an adolescent. The track is filled with insecurity and loneliness, nevertheless it’s additionally filled with hope and resilience.
Within the first verse, Ian appears to explain the sensation of being an outsider trying in on the world of grown-ups. She looks like she’s “on the skin trying in” on their lives. It is a feeling that many youngsters can relate to.
Within the second verse, Ian appears to speak about how her teenage years had been spent attempting to slot in and be like everybody else. She modified her garments and her hair, and she or he tried to behave like she did not care. However deep down, she was nonetheless the identical individual.
Within the refrain, Ian appears to speak about how she wished somebody had advised her that it was okay to be totally different. The identical approach everybody wish to be advised we do not have to alter ourselves to slot in.
The third verse is concerning the future. Ian appears to speak about how she’s lastly beginning to really feel comfy in the best way she seems to be. She’s discovered her personal voice and she or he’s prepared to make use of it.
The ultimate verse is about trying again in your teenage years in hindsight. Ian appears to say that when she seems to be again, she will be able to see all of the issues she did unsuitable. However she additionally sees all of the issues she did proper. And he or she’s grateful for all of it as a result of it made her the individual she is at the moment.
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