17 Again

Eurythmics' song '17 Again' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, reflecting on the innocence and emotional intensity of youth. The lyrics take the listener on a journey through memories, evoking the feeling of being seventeen once more. The opening lines, 'Yea though we ventured through the valley of the stars / You in all your jewellery and my bleeding heart,' set a tone of romantic and emotional turbulence, suggesting a relationship that was both deeply connected and fraught with challenges. The imagery of 'flying skyways overhead' and 'so many crashes' metaphorically represents the highs and lows of youthful experiences and relationships.

The chorus, 'And it feels like I'm seventeen again,' captures the essence of the song, emphasizing a return to a time of raw emotions and unfiltered experiences. The lyrics delve into the harsh lessons learned over time, with lines like 'Time might break you, god forsake you, leave you burnt and bruised / Innocence will teach you what it feels like to be used.' This juxtaposition of youthful innocence and the harsh realities of life highlights the bittersweet nature of growing up. The song also critiques the superficiality of fame and media, as seen in the lines 'All those fake celebrities and all those vicious queens / All the stupid papers and the stupid magazines,' suggesting a disillusionment with the adult world's values.

The recurring reference to 'Sweet dreams are made of these' ties back to Eurythmics' iconic hit 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),' creating a sense of continuity and reflection on their own musical journey. The song's nostalgic tone is further emphasized by the line 'Funny how it seems like yesterday,' underscoring the fleeting nature of time and the enduring impact of past experiences. Ultimately, '17 Again' is a reflective piece that resonates with anyone who has ever looked back on their youth with a mix of fondness and regret, capturing the universal longing to recapture the simplicity and intensity of being seventeen.