17

Kings Of Leon's song '17' delves into the tumultuous and captivating nature of youth, particularly focusing on a 17-year-old girl. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman who is both enchanting and perplexing. The repetition of 'Oh, she's only 17' underscores her youth and the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that come with it. The phrase 'whine and whine and wound up over everything' suggests the heightened sensitivity and drama often associated with adolescence. The imagery of a 'Bloody Mary breakfast' and 'busting up the scene' evokes a sense of rebellion and carefree living, typical of teenage years.

The song also touches on the impact this young woman has on those around her. The line 'Brothers frightened when's a baby gonna sleep' hints at the chaos and unpredictability she brings into their lives. The metaphor of a 'hidden ship two sails away' could symbolize the fleeting and elusive nature of youth, always on the move and hard to pin down. The 'culmination of a story and a goodbye session' suggests that this period of life is both a significant chapter and a transient phase, filled with intense emotions and inevitable farewells.

The chorus reveals the singer's fascination with the girl, despite the confusion she brings. The 'tick of our time and the tick in her head' highlights the contrast between their different stages in life and mindsets. The singer's attraction is palpable, especially with the line 'it's the rolling of her Spanish tongue that makes me want to stay,' indicating a deep, almost irresistible allure. The song captures the essence of youthful exuberance, the magnetic pull of young love, and the bittersweet realization of its fleeting nature.