Janis Ian- At Seventeen Live 1976 (REACTION)

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Janis Ian- At Seventeen Live 1976 (REACTION)
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

[@lamusiclover2264]

One of the saddest songs ever written, but so real and relatable to what adolescents go through, both girls and boys.

[@cnatview]

Indeed, LA Music Lover...... She spoke to all of us.

[@dos-fslady3140]

Dear LA, Thanks for your post. So often I wish I could go back in time to help the young teenager I was in the 60's. My complexion was bad, mom talked me into a short hairdo that was a disaster, and my boobs hadn't developed yet (they never fully did, which is fine now!). Mom came into my bedroom and I was crying and I said I was ugly, and mom responded: "But honey, you have a beautiful neck." I threw my hairbrush at the mirror, and said, "Boys don't give a shit about necks!" Thankfully, mom has long forgotten about her words on this occasion, and other than a very few missteps, she was an absolutely AWESOME mom and I wouldn't have made it in life without her. She is 91 now. All the best, Lynn

[@lamusiclover2264]

@@dos-fslady3140 Thanks Lynn. That was a very personal and heartfelt note. All the best, Jeff

[@dos-fslady3140]

@@lamusiclover2264 Thanks for writing back, Jeff. Full disclosure: I do have a beautiful neck! Respect & gratitude from Albuquerque, Lynn

[@gregmoorhead7203]

LA Music Lover ~ Well said my friend, well said. ❤️

[@janisianchannel]

Jayvee, thank you for the raw honesty in your eyes while you were listening to this. I don't know where you're located, but if I'm performing somewhere nearby, holler at me through the contact tab on my website, and we'll find you a couple of tickets. As to other songs, you might want to check out one of the first I wrote, "Society's Child". I was only fourteen, it's a bit raw, but it's a great recording (I didn't produce it, so I'm not bragging on myself there - the producer was Shadow Morton, who also produced the Shangri-Las, In a Gadda Da Vida, the NY Dolls, and Vanilla Fudge. Talk about some range...)

[@nikisrevenge]

I am looking forward to seeing you at your show coming up in Mass next month

[@virgiliojesus2422]

The day before yesterday I heard it for the first time and it stirred my teenage memories in 1978 when Helen Ready or Linda Ronstad were my favorite singers for their musicality or their voices. It comforts me to know that at that time there were really well-made songs and that time reveals to us that hope and love of human life always prevail over selfishness and simple immature personalism that the commercial industry takes advantage of by hiding true human expressions from us as in Janis did this case with great modesty and humility. From Perú, regards.

[@alexfletcher5192]

For every ugly duckling left to fight alone, for whatever reason, this is for them...

[@patriciadowning4036]

I have a private story about Janis Ian. When I was in my teens, she was a favorite singer of mine. She began with "Society's Child", written when she was only 14, about interracial dating. This was at a time when things were about to change forever. You can get a version of that society defining song when she appeared at agw 14 on television. Years passed, she and I grew older, and I was selling rare books when I got a letter from Janis...and she bought one of my books ( she loves science fiction. ) Strangely enough, my younger son at the time had gotten into her songs online, so I told her about that in a note. She replied and then sent both of us for free some of her CD's. She's the best. And she's continued singing throughout the years! I was so glad to see you present this song. Love you, thanks.

[@holyspacemonkey]

That’s so wonderful! Thanks for sharing the story!

[@juaneato]

One of the best written songs of all time.

[@toyairy7612]

Her lyrics apply to today and a hundred years ago.

[@ABertagurl]

And 100 years from now

[@toyairy7612]

@@ABertagurl oh yes teenagers will always have insecurities. the prettiest girls at my school were not happy with their looks, boobs too small, hair to straight/curly/thin/thick whatever we all looked in the mirror and saw only our flaws.

[@shandac1027]

Great lyrics are timeless!!

[@dennish300]

@@ABertagurl hopefully not...

[@Kate98755]

probably worse with having to keep up with others on social media, the pressures are too great, get your kids off social media,

[@jamesmorgan4121]

I remember when this song came out and how heartbreaking it was. Went straight to your core as a human being. In 3 minutes Janis Ian bared her soul to the world. Just magic and TRUE beauty. I think it was Martin Luther King who said..."People are like stained glass windows, they shine brightly in the daylight. But their true beauty is only revealed when the darkness sets in, if there is a light from within." The darkness set in on Janis Ian and she showed the beauty that was within her. Peace people xx

[@bethmerryfield7186]

What a beautiful comment, James.

[@jamesmorgan4121]

@@bethmerryfield7186 thank you Beth. It was that amazing song that I hadn't heard since my teens. Being older and wiser now (I think) it really touched me on a much deeper level than all those years ago. The song also means more now because my daughter went through the same from about 12 to 16 and I spent so much time with her showing her the inner beauty she had including guitar lessons for 5 years that we both did every week. She found her real talent for playing guitar and singing. She's now 28 and travelled the world and become a mother recently and is happier than ever. But OMG those years were hard and hard for a father to watch.

[@marian.jablonski54]

I've never heard that quote before - a succinct way to explain the concept of inner beauty. Janis had self-awareness at a very young age - as well as the ability to express it and the courage to do so. I get an picture of a seventeen year old girl having these thoughts, but as she tries to put them into words, she crumbles into tears so they never are said. (Actually that seventeen year old could easily be a boy - it probably would even be harder for them to get it out).

[@turdferguson400]

That’s beautiful. 💔⭐️🌹☹️

[@jamesmorgan4121]

@@turdferguson400 thank you xx

[@jmelio1]

This song actually came out when I was 17. It was so painfully true for me too.

[@skyepuppy7763]

Same here. I had this album, but I played "At Seventeen" over and over. She sang for me.

[@citizenjoevotes]

Me, too.

[@beckysweet606]

I was also 17 when this song came out. It was one of the saddest songs I'd ever heard, but I totally related to it. Such a difficult time for a lot of girls as well as boys.

[@gabrieleghut1344]

It was like she knew me with 17 in 1976. 😢

[@noturtypicalgranny6900]

SAME! As a seventeen year old girl in 1975/'76 I FELT this song. One of the realest songs of that decade.

[@14gilbertst]

Her other great song is called, 'Society's Child' and she recorded it when she was 14 years old. It's remarkable.

[@kevincorcoran6493]

Yes!

[@katherinejoseph7133]

Rick Albee Society’s Child....another song that was waking us all up to social injustice and inequalities....

[@juliannrose5919]

For all of us ugly duckling girls out there thank you for your kind words. I just wish someone had said them to me when I was in high school.

[@Queen_of_Hearts-Sharnell]

Me too.

[@dorothymcmahon9995]

Would we have believed them?

[@iowa7693]

I said the same thing,, no likes or comments like everyone else,,, and I wonder why I have chronic major depressive disorder?? Thanks for your support, everyone,, bullying happens at all ages,, yes,, I'm still this song,, completely ignored,, 😟🥺

[@juliannrose5919]

I don't understand some of the comments. I don't have any children, so no worries I haven't passed on my insecurities to anyone. Also I have no husband to tell me anything. I only expressed what I felt in the moment.

[@sassymessmess9110]

@@dorothymcmahon9995 No, we probably wouldn't have.

[@VenusDeMilitant]

Janis Ian herself, just found out yourself and another reactor watching her work. On her Facebook page she just wrote " I watched two people who'd never heard "At Seventeen" react to it... and was energized. Thanks to both of these folks!

[@chipurBillWhite]

A lot of pain beautifully expressed.

[@dkt4377]

Your description is the best way to describe this song... everybody can relate to what she is saying.

[@jtd5849]

I cried the first time i heard this and here i am , 45 years later, crying again.

[@judyd6414]

Janis was always different and what a 'beautiful' different!!!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@leslie8888]

Girls have it hard in school. Mean girls were always allowed to bully. I moved back to my hometown and a woman approached me and asked me if it was me and I said yes. She told me that I helped her stay in school because I stood up for her when the girls would harass her. I really don't remember doing so, due to being raised by great parents who taught us to treat everyone the same, but it made me feel good that I did something good. You never know how you can impact a life! 💞✌

[@karenward267]

Jay, you’re an old soul in a young body. Your words of wisdom ring so true.

[@saraheart2804]

The irony is she is pretty just not the typical blonde beauty queen type.

[@deec411]

She is beautiful

[@Spazzmatazzz]

But I think she spoke to that in the lyrics about how she now saw herself as beautiful. "To ugly duckling girls like me". The ugly duckling grew to be a beautiful swan. I think it shows the cruelty of kids in school while growing up. Me? I was a little sawed off nerdy kid. I kinda get it. lol ☺☻

[@saraheart2804]

I made the same comment on another site and she answered back saying thank you. I felt so honored that she replied.

[@deec411]

Sara Heart That is awesome but not surprising at all. She seems like a very down to earth person.

[@deec411]

Sara Heart I got a nasty response to my comment from someone and I know I shouldn’t let it bother me but it does.

[@lisac9930]

Thank you Jay, for reacting to "At Seventeen". You reacted just as I & probably many more of your subscribers, knew you would; WITH A PURE HEART & not agreeing in the least bit, w/how Janis was treated, based on how OTHERS saw her, on the outside, w/never taking a moment to see the person WITHIN.

[@ericrussell4720]

i loved this song since i was 13 and im 57 now

[@RADAR1017]

Same here! Always felt school was so ridiculous with its classification of people and unfairness. This said, I was never one to fall into any click because at a young age I enjoyed just being me. Truth

[@cici7333]

I'm 55, and immediately identified with this song at age 11. This song is so beautifully heartbreaking. I love her!

[@turdferguson400]

c c Still makes me emotional.

[@cici7333]

@@turdferguson400 Oh definitely, me too. I was just laughing with gratitude watching the next reaction, Paul Simon, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover. I needed that after sweet Janis Ian.

[@DonnaScharff]

Janis spoke to the hearts of every teenager back in her day. She made you feel like you weren't in this life alone, someone else felt the way you did. Awkward, different, a social misfit. What teenager hasn't had moments that they felt this way? I miss hearing the songs written from the heart like this, just beautiful. Love the message and nice reaction. Peace out!

[@veronicajean3612]

I can say when I chose sides for basketball. I picked the kids that were always called last. And I would play my ass off to beat the ones that always were chosen first. I still can see the smile on their faces being chosen. It was only the way to go.

[@jjnyc4610]

Veronica Jean How sweet of you❤️❤️❤️I wish I went to school with you I was one of the ugly duckings🥰

[@RayRay-zt7bj]

You, my dear lady, are the true image of every child's hero!

[@iowa7693]

Thank you,,,

[@saflynn14]

I guarantee you were a blessing to those kids. Kindness goes a LONG way!

[@ABertagurl]

I was the fat awkward girl always picked last for everything.... This song has always meant the world to me.

[@revk-squared9046]

Janis Ian. She describes everything perfectly

[@sjd5750]

If this song doesn't rip your heart out, I don't know what to tell you.....It's always been a favorite of mine..So well crafted.

[@kelmepy]

The compassionate and appreciative way that you listen to a song is so wise. Thank you 💜

[@sharonsobolewski3707]

YAH AND LISTEN TO THE EERY WORDS WHEN SHE SAIS REPENTING LIVES UNKOWN KARMA REINCARNATION STUFF WE OFTEN WONDER WHY WE SUFFER SO MUCH AND WHAT WE DID IN OUR DISTANT DISTANT PAST TO DESERVE SOME OF THE SUFFERING WE BEAR I GUESS WE JUST HAVE TO BE THOUGHTFUL AND KIND AND MINDFUL OF OTHERS AT ALL TIMES

[@spankyhanderson3680]

Two thoughts... I remember this song speaking to me when I was an awkward adolescent even though I was male, it resonated with me. And also, I believe that this song made a difference in many lives. I’m convinced that there were many guys (and perhaps girls) that listened to this song and changed their behavior. Music like this can change lives

[@thomasriccardi9040]

Hey, God bless you man...you are a genuinely good soul. I enjoy watching you react to my era' music but you show your heart...you are a good dude. God bless and keep you always

[@maryabdelbaset8987]

I agree♥️

[@sharonsobolewski3707]

YES THERE SHOULD BE MORE MEN LIKE YOU

[@l-bird]

I can definitely relate to this song. But, back in college my sister knew a guy that hung out with her group. He was incredibly good looking. But, he told the group one day how depressed he was because people always expected him to be the life of the party, or to be something they expected just because of his looks. When my sister told me, it was very eye-opening to realize that good looks could also be a detriment.

[@GIJOE64]

Beautiful song. As a teenager in 1976, I was popular, but not good at sports so when she sings the line about “choosing sides for basketball,” it always brings back painful memories.

[@RicoBurghFan]

One of the best songs ever at describing the loneliness and pain of being an outcast. Thanks so much for playing it.

[@bethshadid2087]

Carol King and Carly Simon are definately a must to delve into.

[@dantolbert324]

Carly Simon's 'You're So Vain'

[@robertthomas4016]

Wow 2 of my personal favorites.. Roberta Flack & Karen Carpenter too👍😎

[@bethshadid2087]

@@robertthomas4016 oh yes

[@timetravellingone]

And Joni Mitchell

[@ABertagurl]

@@robertthomas4016 Killing me softly (Roberta)

[@rjjohnson2402]

Her album Between The Lines was a #1 best seller, due in my opinion, to her great songwriting skills. I wasn't in the popular group in high school and really was uplifted by this song when it came out a few years later.

[@beeseewill2407]

Her voice pierces the heart.Janis Ian is a great talent.

[@yoliemclaughlin9492]

Janis Ian, yes!! All her songs are stories and you feel them. I saw her in concert when I was in my 50's and she sounded the same. Love her🥰 Thank you.

[@yoliemclaughlin9492]

Thank you again 😊 appreciate the ❤️

[@JayveeTV]

Yolie McLaughlin no problem

[@doplinger1]

Phoebe Snow would be another good one to react to. I didn't care for her stuff when I was young, but she was in the New York Rock 'n Soul Revue tour with the likes of Donald Fagen, Boz Skaggs and Michael McDonald, and she has a FANTASTIC voice!

[@davidbrown6039]

This is one of those few songs that needed to be written

[@simchabaruch3109]

Just went and listened to RICKY NELSON'S song "Garden party", the irony is that Ricky had a similar experience even though he WAS the prototype of what is considered handsome in the USA.

[@saraheart2804]

So true.

[@bethmerryfield7186]

This song came out when I was in junior high. When I saw her on video, I never once thought she was rejected. So very beautiful.

[@maryfromabluest8]

At 13, I felt this song was written about me.

[@sassymessmess9110]

11 or 12 for me. 😕

[@lavandakins9027]

It hit me when I was 10 to 12. I'm in my mid 60's and it still hurts.

[@jana7514]

Pure poetry in song.... I've loved this since the very first time I heard it as a teenager! 🤩

[@texaslyoness8537]

Absolutely beautiful! Longing for the days when talent was REQUIRED to be in the music industry.

[@seabreeze8894]

You’re a good guy, Jovaughn. You’d have loved the 60’s and 70’s. You’d have fit in to the mindset and values of that time perfectly. I’d have loved to call you a friend of mine. 👍🌸💜

[@RoryVanucchi]

It's a masterpiece by Janice. great song then and always. the great singer-songwriter era, late '60s to late '70s

[@tonydelapa1911]

Jayvee, this reaction is exactly why I enjoy watching reaction videos. You instantly understood what millions in my generation got when this album came out around 1975. I wish more people (in my generation) listened to lyrics more carefully. She has a beautiful voice and I like her guitar work. While hauntingly sad, ”At Seventeen” is masterfully written and performed; her voice is one of the most beautifulI I have heard. As a body of work, the album this is on ( “Between The Lines” ) is one of my favorites by a female artist. Choose any song from it - each one of them is outstanding. Thank you for what you’re doing with your channel.

[@JayveeTV]

Thank you

[@daveowens271]

This is a timeless song. It keeps being relatable through the years.

[@pat9158]

Janis Ian's first album contains a song Hair of Spun Gold, which she wrote when she was 12. She is an amazing songwriter and has always written from a place of such vulnerability and rawness. Her song Society's Child is another example of how amazing she was even at a very young age - very socially aware as a young girl. I've loved her since I was a young teenager. I'm one of the people who's been recommending her to you - thank you so much for doing this song!

[@janisianchannel]

Thank you Pat.

[@pat9158]

@@janisianchannel You're welcome! I've watched all the videos on your channel :)

[@saraheart2804]

Oh, I have got to lsiten to it.!

[@Bikebrh]

@@janisianchannel This is completely off the subject, but since you're here I'll take the opportunity to ask it anyway: What did you think of Tina Fey naming a character after you in "Mean Girls"? ...Now I just need to wait for Joan Jett to drop into someones comments so I can ask her what she thought of the "Tess Turbo" character in Bloom County.

[@kenperk9854]

Those 70s songs touched so many people where it counts. A decade like no other!

[@me-pm6mx]

"A woman with a beautiful body is good for a night, but a woman with a beautiful mind is good for a lifetime". Choose wisely.

[@drwoo6090]

That’s an awful thing to say.

[@LadyGator1983]

Amen!!!

[@jjnyc4610]

This song HITS ME TO THE CORE..I was skinny shy homely ...guys wouldn’t blink at me...girls made fun of me...things got better I met and married a married a man who made and makes me feel beautiful...33 years this year❤️thank you for sharing that

[@MsPerlia]

this song always hits home, especially back in 1976 that was me

[@lilithrising9713]

oooooo!!! I'm sitting here crying. so glad you have had. life of love!!!!

[@ploppill34]

She recently uploaded another version of this and her voice still sounds amazing

[@andreawalter9212]

This song is full of beauty and substance. Do you know the movie "Mean Girl" w/Lindsay Lohan? The girl that befriended her first in the movie was named Janis Ian; Tina Fey did that to pay homage to this incredible singer song writer. Thank you for doing this reaction-brought tears to my eye.

[@2eleven48]

Ian's voice is beautfully made, from the low soft notes to the strong don't-mess-with-me upper tones. Still wonderful and moving to listen to her after all these years. Robert, UK.

[@dagnelpaula1]

Though I REALLY like this song, it's almost painful to listen to. Especially when you relate to it so deeply. I would think it would have been hard to stand on stage and sing this, if this was really the way she felt at that age. It would be baring her soul for the world to see, opening her up to even MORE pain. I hate to admit it, but I always cringe just a bit when I hear it, because it hits home for me when I was that age, as well. We're never told, at that time, that if we just give it a few years, things will change; we grow up and begin to feel more confident in ourselves. Especially when someone comes along who loves us exactly the way we are, and thinks we ARE beautiful. At least, in their eyes, if no one else's . GREAT reaction! I had no doubt that you'd react the EXACT way you did. You have a good heart. Wonderful reaction!

[@carolynjanesutton4932]

Things never changed for me. I still feel that way and it's been decades since I was 17.

[@holyspacemonkey]

CarolynJane Sutton I’m sorry to hear that. Life can be so hard. I hope things get better for you. 💕

[@saflynn14]

Touches home with me too. Kids can be SO mean! My parents taught me that if I have nothing nice to say them don’t say anything at all. This should be taught by parents at a child’s young age and never stop reminding them of it! Kids learn from their parents and are incredibly observant.

[@janisianchannel]

If you look at most of the footage of me singing this, my eyes are closed... it was because I worried people would be laughing at me...

[@carolynjanesutton4932]

@@janisianchannel That's incredible. It's such a beautiful performance.

[@rosealthea5213]

Just think about being 17 and hearing that song for the first time. She touched me so much that I played and re-played that song for a long time.

[@m.a.robbins4907]

I remember seeing this when it first aired and being astounded not only at the performance but at the idea such a gorgeous person could feel she ever looked weird. Of course I was 18 at the time and thought I looked weird.

[@BenjWarrant]

For everyone: I learned the truth at seventeen That love was meant for beauty queens And high school girls with clear skinned smiles Who married young and then retired The valentines I never knew The Friday night charades of youth Were spent on one more beautiful At seventeen I learned the truth And those of us with ravaged faces Lacking in the social graces Desperately remained at home Inventing lovers on the phone Who called to say "Come dance with me" And murmured vague obscenities It isn't all it seems At seventeen A brown eyed girl in hand-me-downs Whose name I never could pronounce Said, "Pity, please, the ones who serve They only get what they deserve" And the rich-relationed hometown queen Marries into what she needs With a guarantee of company And haven for the elderly Remember those who win the game Lose the love they sought to gain In debentures of quality And dubious integrity Their small-town eyes will gape at you In dull surprise when payment due Exceeds accounts received At seventeen To those of us who knew the pain Of valentines that never came And those whose names were never called When choosing sides for basketball It was long ago and far away The world was younger than today When dreams were all they gave for free To ugly duckling girls like me We all play the game, and when we dare To cheat ourselves at solitaire Inventing lovers on the phone Repenting other lives unknown They call and say, "Come dance with me" And murmur vague obscenities At ugly girls like me At seventeen

[@marciapeak893]

One of the best live performances I've ever heard. Back in the day she was phenomenal, listening to her now, she still is a mesmerizing song writer. singer and musician.

[@pamelahughes4219]

I’ve got my headphones on and now I can hear what you hear great reaction to a sad song as I was one of the lonely ones

[@jayraft3013]

This is my favorite of all your reaction videos. You are so on point and in the moment with this gut wrenching song. I especially loved your reaction to the line "For those whose names were never called when choosing sides for basketball" (5:18). So real and compassionate.

[@danielmesery2904]

She a great songwriter and composer 😁🎸🎵

[@irlcrew]

I love this song and it was beautiful. I am sure Im not the only one that will recommend Minnie Rippertons song Loving You. You will get emotional about it. Another Angel taken away from us to soon. Peace Always Brother. Patrick

[@frndlyres3]

Beautiful song and songwriter! Proud and happy I came up during this time in music, it was the best time. I'm glad you're appreciating this music and that time. Love your reaction videos buddy!

[@1920Janice]

I was a shy skinny girl with glasses in high school so I identify with this song. I had my group of friends. We did have fun on our own but I never forgot how the popular girls made us feel. When I look at my old pictures, I was pretty back then. I just didn’t have the confidence to know it! I do like the fact that if I see any of those popular girls now, they look a lot older than I do and most are fat! They peaked in high school. I got better and more confident as I got older so if any young girls see this, hang in there because life gets better!! 😊❤️🎵

[@michaelsmith-iu1be]

Well said. and true

[@hollyfavicchio3628]

You have such a loving soul JoVaughn!❤️

[@sassymessmess9110]

I was 7 when this song was on the charts but I remember hearing when I was a little older and felt she was singing about me.

[@richardkeating3575]

This song is a punch to the gut and brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Another singer/ songwriter you you should check out is Carole King who wrote many hits for other people in the 50`s/ 60`s and then recorded an album of her own songs called Tapestry which becamme an instant classic, my favorite song is It`s too late, but the whole album is worth a listen to.

[@pzmich53]

I think you must have found my old record collection at a garage sale - Janis Ian, Carly Simon, Harry Chapin, Simon and Garfunkel... You just have to sprinkle in some James Taylor ans Melissa Manchester. This song by Janis has always been one of my favorites. I had the opportunity to see her in concert and she was so gracious; she stayed behind after the show to sign autographs and she signed my copy of her album. She is still performing and is a fantastic guitarist.

[@speenham1]

Jay, you're such a genuine young man and so wise for your years. Thanks for that lovely reaction.

[@patriciadavis5939]

I use to sing this at gatherings. I sung it because I could identify with her. Janis is very intelligent and a skillful musician. Beautiful music that reaches the soul. You go girl.

[@Serai3]

This song has always made me cry, ever since it first came out. I was a teenager then, and she was basically singing about me, and all the girls like me. It was heartbreaking, but it gave me strength to know that someone understood and thought us important enough to sing about. * wipes tear *

[@citygirljody]

Me, too... still, with tears in my eyes for the girl I was in the '70s . In jr high gym we had a pool, I was a statuesque 14 year old and embarrassed wearing a school swim suit that only 1 other classmate wore. For not being able to climb that damn rope, for always not being chosen. I was good at sewing and singing, art and creative writing (still am) but I hated this song because it was about ME.

[@rhwinner]

Some great guitar playing from Janis here, all the while singing those amazing lines....

[@janisianchannel]

HAH! Thank you! And that was back in the days when people in TV studios would always say "You're not really going to play that, are you? I mean, it's just a prop, right?"

[@holyspacemonkey]

Janis Ian You sure showed them!!

[@narahs1961]

i learnt these lyrics at 14 x im not a singer but the lyrics are etched in my brain and felt in my heart x i remember looking up words for an explanation of their meanings

[@darlenebrumit7959]

You are so right, if you do not have beauty on the inside it doesn’t matter if you are beautiful on the outside. Bully’s that put people down and make them feel bad because of how they look or other differences are sadly causing so much more than pain than they even realize. 😢

[@sonjaashmore2972]

Such a great song. I remember the 1st time I heard it on the radio. I too am a short girl who felt I didn't fit in .She has such a pure passionate voice.

[@susanwlasiuk9190]

I was in high school when this song came out and so many of us felt like it was written just for us. Tough age

[@jeancharlesnavet]

I kind of had a small tear that almost droped on this one.

[@juliedaly9897]

This song so hits home with me.... Being bullied at school cos I had red curly hair and freckles........ Stays with you for the rest of your life......... Never quite feeling good enough...... Beautiful emotional song. ❤️

[@robertthomas4016]

Straight from the soul... One way or another I think we can relate to some degree. Humanity at its best😇😇

[@valerievanwinkle6453]

She just reaches right down into your gut and gives a twist. Still makes me tear up.

[@williammarcy4645]

There are untold numbers of young girls & boys who were touched by the words and that enchanting voice in this song

[@jocelynhaeberle1401]

I heard this song about 24 hours ago in a store. I thought, someone needs to react to this! I'd actually forgotten this song and how much it gave me feels.🥺

[@L3n1n99]

This song gets me every time... Ianis really hits home. So pure.. pure emotion in her voice here.

[@jimnicosia5934]

I saw her in person in the 70's at Saratoga, NY. I v'e seen many performers in my life time. She was the best. I went out and bought all her albums.

[@l-bird]

Another incredible song I haven't heard in quite some time. Brings back the memories.

[@JM-rl1hf]

Carole King- So Far Away

[@otisdylan9532]

Good song, as are Carole's "It's Too Late" and "I Fell the Earth Move" (for openers).

[@pamchilton8129]

@@otisdylan9532 Those are great, and I'd like Jovaughn to react to my favorite Carole King song as well, which is 'Jazzman.'

[@otisdylan9532]

@@pamchilton8129 Yes, that's a great one too.

[@corvus1374]

The Broadway musical "Beautiful" is about Carole. It was really good, lots of Carole King songs and those of others who were writing music at that point in time.

[@mbolduc]

If you haven't already heard it you may enjoy a cover of So Far Away by the Crusaders: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip-9ZYyjfLysjcU

[@alloccasionsgiftwrapping4767]

This song touched me so much at 12 yrs old when I first heard it. I was popular, but I treated everyone the same. When I saw people try to make fun of or bully some girl, I stood up to them. And they would back down. I was not going to treat people bad because they looked different, or did not fit in.

[@annabinksy1694]

Thanks for reacting to this. This is a song that always triggers a few tears. I WAS that ugly duckling and that resonated.

[@ritathomas5167]

Oh my goodness! I haven't heard this song in a minute! Loved this song! This song really hit home for me. I was tall, very smart in school, and a music nerd (played piano and sang in all our junior high and high school choruses), and very unathletic. Kids can be so cruel to one another. But college was my time to reinvent myself. And I did! I still am tall, smart, love music, and very unathletic - but it no longer bothers me. Somewhere along the way I excelled in all areas of my life (ok, not the sports!) but learned to love myself for who I am. I really feel for kids in school. Today's schools have a "no bully" policy, but it still happens all the time. For some it can be a tough road, but as you age you come to appreciate yourself and your gifts, and realize that anyone's criticisms of you reflect on them - not you.

[@SueSnellLives]

I'm so glad you reacted to this!!! I love this song -- one of the saddest ever written and most poignant. I'm actually weeping a bit right now. Thank you!

[@matt75hooper]

Amazing lyrics great voice. A timeless classic. I remember when it hit the radio. Huge hit. Lots of tears.........

[@susanfabian1521]

At Seventeen was my "cry" song in my 20's & 30's.

[@annedunne4526]

She's still around. Still talks/ sings a lot of sense.

[@Cedar422]

If you look back through the replies you will see that she has replied to a couple of people.

[@karenj3611]

Remember this song as a kid. Love it

[@mogolurch]

this brings me straight back to the mid 70's. this song was heard everywhere you went. another artist from that era was Melissa Manchester. very well worth checking out.

[@debrasteed6470]

Society's Child. It was a punch to the gut when I heard it when it first came out in the 60's. It changed my views on the subject matter. I was 12 then. 65 now. A song can change minds.

[@cynthiacharles3344]

Thank you Jovaughn. Janis Ian spoke to so many of us who were awkward and left out.

[@marieogara1036]

A beautiful, heartfelt reaction, to a very beautiful true song, for so many of us ordinary people.

[@virgiliojesus2422]

The day before yesterday I heard it for the first time and it stirred my teenage memories in 1978 when Helen Ready or Linda Ronstad were my favorite singers for their musicality or their voices. It comforts me to know that at that time there were really well-made songs and that time reveals to us that hope and love of human life always prevail over selfishness and simple immature personalism that the commercial industry takes advantage of by hiding true human expressions from us as in Janis did this case with great modesty and humility. Thank you Janis. Thank you jayvee.

[@monticlassictv]

Just been looking at a recent Janis Ian rendition of her hit song and you would not believe how good Janis still sings this song and she must be in early 70’s now but my full respect to her and what she gave us all in the 1970’s God Bless you Janis . . . from a fan in Scotland.

[@thebix100]

She also sang SOCIETYS CHILD. A song to honest for the times. Check it out.

[@joelliebler5690]

A great song so meaningful, touching!

[@skwervin1]

This songs makes me cry everytime