Seventeen

Sharon Van Etten's song 'Seventeen' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the loss of youth, and the inevitable process of growing up. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and a bittersweet recognition of change, as the artist reminisces about her own experiences at the age of seventeen. The song serves as a conversation between her past and present selves, highlighting the contrast between the freedom and idealism of youth and the realities of adulthood.

The repeated mention of 'downtown hotspot' and the phrase 'I used to be seventeen' suggests a specific place and time that holds significant memories for the artist. These lyrics evoke the universal experience of having places that anchor our memories of younger days. Van Etten addresses her younger self, acknowledging the naivety and the sense of invincibility that often accompany youth. There's a sense of mentorship in the way she wishes to show her younger self just how much growth has occurred since those days.

The song also touches on the theme of seeing oneself in the younger generation, as Van Etten observes someone who is currently seventeen and reflects on the similarities between them. The line 'Now you're just like me' indicates a realization that the cycles of life continue and that the experiences of youth are both unique and universal. The song captures the complex emotions that come with looking back on one's formative years and seeing a reflection of oneself in the youth of today.