Seventeen Going Under

Sam Fender's 'Seventeen Going Under' is a raw and poignant exploration of the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood. The song delves into the emotional and psychological struggles that come with growing up, capturing the essence of teenage angst, familial pressures, and the search for identity. Fender's lyrics are a vivid recollection of his youth, marked by moments of violence, emotional vulnerability, and the harsh realities of life in a working-class environment.

The opening lines, 'I remember the sickness was forever / I remember snuff videos,' set a somber tone, reflecting the pervasive sense of despair and the exposure to disturbing content that can haunt a young mind. The references to 'fist fights on the beach' and 'The Bizzies round us up' paint a picture of a rough, rebellious adolescence, where physical altercations and run-ins with the authorities were commonplace. These experiences are not just memories but lingering scars that continue to affect the narrator, highlighting the long-lasting impact of youthful trauma.

Fender also touches on the theme of anger and its corrosive effects. He admits to being 'far too scared to hit him' but acknowledges that anger 'begs to stick around,' suggesting that unresolved rage can fester and lead to destructive behavior. This is further emphasized in the lines, 'You can hurt the ones who love you / You hurt them like they're nothing,' illustrating how internalized anger can spill over and damage relationships with loved ones.

The song also addresses the socio-economic struggles faced by the narrator's family. The mention of 'the debt, the debt, the debt' and the image of his mother crying on the floor, seen as just a number by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), underscores the financial hardships and the dehumanizing effects of bureaucratic systems. The repeated refrain, 'I'm seventeen going under,' encapsulates the feeling of being overwhelmed and on the brink of collapse, yet still fighting to stay afloat.

' Seventeen Going Under' is a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced the trials of growing up. It is a testament to Sam Fender's ability to channel personal pain into a universal story, making it a deeply relatable and emotionally charged anthem.