Seventeen

Exit 18's song 'Seventeen' captures the intense emotions and frustrations of a young person on the brink of adulthood. The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and impatience as the protagonist counts down the days until they turn eighteen, a milestone that symbolizes freedom and independence. The repeated line, 'I'm just seventeen shy of the all-time high,' underscores the feeling of being so close yet so far from achieving personal autonomy. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines, 'I've got one more year till my eighteenth here / When I can show you mine,' suggesting that the protagonist feels restrained and is eagerly awaiting the moment they can fully express themselves without societal or parental constraints.

The song delves into themes of bodily autonomy and the struggle for self-ownership. The lyrics, 'The possession of my body isn't compromised / By the lack of its permission to leave / I am mine,' highlight the protagonist's assertion of their right to control their own body and life. This is a powerful statement against the limitations imposed on minors, who are often denied full agency over their decisions. The frustration with these restrictions is palpable, especially in the lines, 'You're dangling my dignity just outta my reach / But independence isn't a sin / Except when you're defined as a minor.' Here, the protagonist criticizes the societal norms that infantilize young people and deny them the respect and freedom they crave.

The song also touches on the protagonist's desire to break free from the expectations and limitations placed upon them. The lines, 'My eyes have been closed / To the weight of the world / I don't wish to be deaf by your palms anymore,' suggest a longing to awaken to the realities of life and to no longer be shielded or controlled by others. The declaration, 'I was born to wreck this home,' indicates a rebellious spirit and a determination to challenge the status quo. Overall, 'Seventeen' by Exit 18 is a poignant exploration of the struggles and aspirations of youth, capturing the universal desire for freedom and self-determination.