This is simply one of the greatest American songs ever written.
@sjd57507 күн бұрын
Agreed.
@imtherapycat7 күн бұрын
This song is timeless because the lyrics touch our adolescent insecurities so precisely.
@sherrymillerable18 күн бұрын
I know that I am not alone but that song said everything I felt at 17. Thank you.
@cathyrainey617614 күн бұрын
Me too. It felt like she actually knew my life. And put it into a thought provoking song. Hopefully all of us who felt like that are now living our best lives but remembering that awkward time still hurts.
@bobabooey7088Ай бұрын
It’s a haunting song that hits home to a lot of us
@abowling575914 күн бұрын
Definitely haunting! It tells the truth 😢
@pkovenАй бұрын
her explanation is almost as beautiful as the song itself. probably one of the most perfectly written songs ever.
@davidrobertson270018 күн бұрын
As a young gay boy it spoke to me. I felt isolated, alone, and unwelcome in the halls of my small town school. I remember the first time I heard the song on the radio. It was a language I spoke and understood. It was the FIRST time I didn’t feel completely unseen and isolated. Although Janis wasn’t out in those years her heart spoke to mine and said you are not alone.
@jeffreymartin636914 күн бұрын
I was a beautiful gay boy but I burst into tears and still do when I heard this song! I was bullied and harassed by the kids at school and belittled by my father at home! I was literally the last chosen for basketball…. My heart goes out to those fat girls, the nerds! Those sissy boys and tomboys!
@BenRabinowitz-114 күн бұрын
You should have gotten therapy to make you normal again.
@cathyrainey617614 күн бұрын
You are so right. Every kid seemed to go through that at 17 regardless of gay or straight. She spoke to everyone. And it's nice knowing we're not alone.
@jeffreymartin636914 күн бұрын
@ absolutely!
@Pullisto11 күн бұрын
I totally hear you. As a gay guy myself, crushes and infatuations that cane to nothing at school. And now at 56, I've still missed out on a long term relationship. At work, I stopped goung to socials as I was always the singleton standing in the side, like an awkward fool. This song is very relatable. Hopefully in the next life.
@nangel27015 күн бұрын
This song confirmed for me that I was not alone. There were others who understood. Thank you Janis.
@dogloverjb687313 күн бұрын
her voice sounds exactly the same today.... amazing. such a beautiful voice.
@joshdrayton123020 күн бұрын
Janis Ian is easily the most underrated singer-songwriter. Her work is every bit as good as Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Carly Simon, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Elton John - yet she's never been as celebrated as any of them.
@rejectionisprotection444817 күн бұрын
I read her being described as a "female Leonard Cohen". I agree with you. She really does paint pictures with her music.
@cynthiaahern908116 күн бұрын
I Agree.. don't forget Tracy Chapman 😊
@charlenerathgeb821716 күн бұрын
I will, with great admiration for Janis, disagree. Carole King was magic. Joni Mitchell was in a league of her own. She influenced everyone from David Crosby, Graham Nash on. ask any folk singer from the 60’s 70s who their influence was it was Joni Mitchell
@kathykb812315 күн бұрын
I think you missed the first commenter's point.@@charlenerathgeb8217
@ginadellgrottaglia689715 күн бұрын
@@charlenerathgeb8217Some relevant Fun Facts, since I've been doing a lot of listening to/researching CSNY this year: 1. Joni was Croz' girlfriend, then just hit it off with Nash and one day he went home with her to her house... and never left. "Our House" was written soon thereafter. 2. He wanted to marry but she was deathly afraid of getting tied down. (So was Judy Collins, with Stills.) There's a poignant short vid of her discussing it. 3. Mitchell had to miss Woodstock because she had a previous booking for David Frost that her agent told her she needed to keep, that it would be better for her career. She wrote the song "Woodstock" in the hotel room. (I always feel bad that she hadda miss out but... dang good song came out of that angst.)
@darleneschneck19 күн бұрын
This meant so much to me as a teenager. Much love to Janis. ❤️
@jolynngood274614 күн бұрын
This is one of my favorite songs. Even at 72, I still like to listen to it. I think most of us at some time in our lives have felt like this.
@bobp3738Ай бұрын
I was about 17 when I first heard that song and even then could appreciate its brilliance. You could clearly feel the pain and emotions. And still can.
@lcweave201610 күн бұрын
I haven’t cried with this song since I was 16. At 75 I’m crying listening to it today. It brought up some very difficult memories that needed to be purged. Thank you Janis Ian! I’m now able to let go of the shame of my big nose for which I was bullied then and for many years afterward.
@CindyKruegerАй бұрын
It still touches my heart the way it did way back when. ❤
@twistoffate4791Ай бұрын
Yes. Same. Some songs just hit. We feel it to the bone.
@rickguerrero228213 күн бұрын
This song was HUGE when I was in school. Truly brilliant lyrics, music, and singing. Bravo.
@julieb778516 күн бұрын
What a song...what a lovely lady....we absolutely grow into ourselves.
@jolaynemichaud4377Ай бұрын
Sad thing is that she was beautiful then and still is. She does capture the insecurity of youth and I hope she grew to love and appreciate herself. Not every young person can write such a meaningful song.
Ай бұрын
Beautiful ?
@Daniel-r9rАй бұрын
When I see and enjoy the beauty and wonder of women I can't believe the bullshit of men. Wars, violent sports, wealth, and domestic abuse are all unnecessary . Men are blessed by their company.
@bgrigg07Ай бұрын
It's in the eye of the beholder.
@br807119 күн бұрын
She was beautiful. She still is.
@charlenerathgeb821716 күн бұрын
I was 17 when it was released. it was as if I had written the song.
@phillwainewright4221Ай бұрын
On February 14, 1977, (Valentine's Day), Janis Ian was sent 461 Valentine's Day cards in reference to the lyric ("Of valentines that never came"). Nice.
@FriendofDorothyАй бұрын
First time I ever heard that. How wonderful!
@deborahdavis680116 күн бұрын
I was 17 in 1975 and this song was so helpful, the beginning of mass therapy. Thank you for being a brave woman. This is more impactful even now. It's truthful poetry.
@karentucker6716 күн бұрын
Janice Ian was beautiful when she was young and now just as beautiful❤
@joycemansfield110813 күн бұрын
I saw her in a coffee house in Northampton when I was 20.what a performance!
@juanitajaberpla846219 күн бұрын
One of my favorite songs, even now..
@crocadoodle710115 күн бұрын
Word for word I completely understand this song. I am way way past 17 now and still absolutely love this song. It is timeless. Thank you Janis. 🌷
@Solero0001Ай бұрын
What a fantastic song that is and beautifully sung, and wow her voice is still unbelievable now she's over 70
@joannedunn294912 күн бұрын
In 1979, I was a 5’ 7” blue eyed blonde with long straight hair and I felt just like Janis. Timeless song.
@lt737811 күн бұрын
In 1979, the tall blue eyed blondes with straight hair were the girls the guys wanted. I was a short, skinny half japanese (“chink”) nerdy girl with thick glasses and ugly clothes who was literally picked last for basketball PE and made fun of by jocks for not being “filled out”. Yes, it hurt.
@mozdicksonАй бұрын
I was in High School back then. Touched me. Lady, you were and are very beautiful! Glad youre doing well.
@peggooo16 күн бұрын
I was indeed 17 when this song first came out. It touched my heart deep down inside, as I was living every word it said. Thank you, Janis.
@snabbisnabb595Ай бұрын
It does not have to be a hit to be an important song. It is timeless and has an important message.
@FriendofDorothyАй бұрын
but it WAS a hit and a pretty big one as I recall....
@snabbisnabb595Ай бұрын
@@FriendofDorothy my response was at 4:00 -- it was not a hit here.
@cheri705415 күн бұрын
This song speaks to many of us. It would make me cry. Good cry
@jessicaspears371316 күн бұрын
She looks awesome!
@HerrP5815 күн бұрын
She sure does.
@michaeldevlin51713 күн бұрын
She is the swan!
@barrypeterson6725Ай бұрын
Absolutely a classic. Brutally honest, yet has a beautiful quality. You can feel her pain.
@patriciariddle29975 күн бұрын
I have her CD and at 69 years old there are still some of those songs that make me cry. She is a true poet.
@iandlv6835Ай бұрын
A beautiful song that reduces me to tears every time.
@davisworth51143 күн бұрын
Dear Janis, hearing you sing this again has me weeping, God bless you for being a good steward of your talents and giving the world this timeless masterpiece. You have always been special to your fans. Peace of Christ.
@bsquared4604Ай бұрын
I pause everything when this song comes on.
@GeorgeStar16 күн бұрын
Such a beautiful song!
@maureencoyle66615 күн бұрын
Janis…I would not change one word in your iconic song of the angst of youth!!! I related to every word the first time I heard it. It touched with me like Tom Rush’s version of Child’s Song!!! Thise songs always made me feel that because the writers made it through those years…I could too!!! God bless you!!!! Thank you.💙💙💙🙏🏻🌎☮️🌊☘️
@HerrP5815 күн бұрын
What an amazing person. Thank you for baring your soul in a way that many of us could relate to.
@pipercraven-zd9ui15 күн бұрын
What a legend. Thank you, Janis.
@bayouborn358015 күн бұрын
Janis, I think you're beautiful. The message you sent all those years ago, undoubtedly helped countless teenagers find their place in this world, and made it less lonely. Thank you.
@calicons313 күн бұрын
I’ve always loved that song….brilliantly written. And, no, you’re not ugly. Even back then…
@viviandibrell849Ай бұрын
A big thanks to you, Janice, for writing and singing this song. It was not only the words, but the way you sang the song that made it so meaningful. I used to listen to this song as a teenager, and I knew that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. I am now 73 and I still cry every time I hear this song because it touches my heart so deeply.
@tastx31426 күн бұрын
I was 17 when the song came out and although I was fortunate enough to have clear skin, it spoke to me. I think that many young people felt the same and the song remains relevant. Thank you for creating a beautiful song that expresses my feelings as well as countless others.
@thomashustedАй бұрын
I was actually 17 when this song first came out so I remember it well as most 17 year olds can relate to it one way or another.
@janselten4292Ай бұрын
Same here.
@jmk196218 күн бұрын
Me too😊
@connie654514 күн бұрын
I was 17 when your song came out; and I believed you wrote it just for me! And, listening to your song right now I can feel a lump in my throat. Thank you!!
@brianarbenz13292 күн бұрын
This song speaks to so many of us. Thank you, Janis!
@nogunnofear670315 күн бұрын
So good to see Janis. She's still beautiful! What a great great song.
@loveeveryone805710 күн бұрын
You really gave the world....the universe....something incredibly beautiful....thank you
@TheVineyarder16 күн бұрын
It makes me cry..it hits too close to my heart..I love you Janis...
@kathyfox373012 күн бұрын
Takes me right back to those days. I played her albums over and over, listening as I laid on my bed.
@user-fd4ib4yd3t5 күн бұрын
Memories of singing along to this beautiful melancholy song in the summer of 1979 when I was 17. Remember thinking yes its true, it isnt all it seems, at Seventeen
@banditkitty27436 күн бұрын
you can tell when a song comes from the heart...this one certainly does.
@ekassien13 күн бұрын
A timeless classic
@dianehand139610 күн бұрын
I have learned that everyone feels this way at some time in their life. Rich, poor, any color. Thank you Janice for giving it a voice.
@PeteKiefer11 күн бұрын
Janis you taught me a valuable lesson in the singing of this song. In 1975 when your song came out I too was 17 and a senior in high school. I’ll never forget the first time I heard it. Your song taught me to be kind and compassionate to ALL my classmates and to not tolerate cruelty to any. A valuable lesson at the perfect moment in time. Today (winter of 2024) I still love your lyrics and your voice. Your voice is intoxicating and your words of wisdom pushed me to be a better man for the rest of my life. Indeed the pen is mightier than the sword and with your voice the message flies like an arrow straight to the heart. Not only has your song changed lives but I believe YOU HAVE SAVED LIVES. Much love, Peter ❤️
@Peacetrain6617 күн бұрын
Part of the soundtrack of my childhood. Love you Janis❤
@lostgrenadierАй бұрын
A beautifully written and performed song.
@jannetteberends8730Ай бұрын
This story is done so well. We heard the whole song, the narrative fits right in, we learn a lot about the song. This is excellent journalism. One of the best videos ever.
@ckrtom213 күн бұрын
Such a memorable honest meaningful song for the ages!
@TheNoonie5015 күн бұрын
She was and is a swan....Thank you Janis for this song.
@guadalupepatel798615 күн бұрын
Your music and lyrics transcend language, when I listen to your song for the first time I completely identify myself with it, I was the ugly duckling, the one inventing lovers, the unpopular not realizing that I was beautiful just the way I was. I'm happy and content and accepted my true self. Gracias por tan bella canción ❤
@melissawright571615 күн бұрын
i love this woman and this song!!! i’m 54 years old and i heard it as a child and it was haunting and beautiful - it stirs the soul. thank you, mama! im so happy you created this masterpiece. it is FS in the consciousness of all who have heard it even once. Spellbinding and captivating, i love it every time.
@BernardProfitendieu20 күн бұрын
it's unusual for a song to be as personal and as universal at the same time as this one is - maybe that's why it's a classic. I was in high school when this song was released - the line "those whose names were never called when choosing sides for basketball" seemed like she was looking right at me when she sang. She's right - we grow into our more confident selves in time (thank the lord!!). Best wishes to all my fellow baby boom kids who were ever touched by this song! - we made it through!!
@JayceeCali15 күн бұрын
I think this iconic song is even more relevant in the social media age. Love you, Janis! 💜 💜 💜
@nonsequitur505714 күн бұрын
My mother hated my music, but when she heard "At Seventeen" playing, something about it must have stuck. It is the only song that came up with her years later. As I was flipping around on her TV I saw Janis Ian and stopped. It was an old variety show and she played/sang "At Seventeen." My mother actually walked over and watched. She said that she never saw what the person who sang that song looked like and it seemed strange to actually see the performer because the song was so haunting it always seemed to just come out of the air. I must have had this incredibly shocked look on my face and asked, "You remember that song?" She said, "Yes, it's hard not to remember 'that' song." Wow! and Touché to Janis Ian! 🌺
@sherylosullivan961914 күн бұрын
It was a song I sang at 17. Brilliant lyrics. No one writes such powerful lyrics anymore.
@Deem5716 күн бұрын
In 1975 when that song came out, I was 17. I loved that song then and I love it now. I've listened to it, sung it, felt it.
@Serpe1016 күн бұрын
No matter how many times I hear this song, it still makes me cry every time I hear it! Those teenage years were very emotional! This song really touches your heart! Janis Ion is a classic! 🎶❤️🎶
@darrellchitwood916713 күн бұрын
Great and beautiful song that I think relates to everyone at some level.
@lisathornhill41777 күн бұрын
I couldn't love that song more. Thank you, Janis.
@themamma34111 күн бұрын
Beautiful voice and amazing song ❤
@tanana20705 күн бұрын
That was me. I'm 72 now. Looking back at my pictures, I was so beautiful. Didn't see it then. Was told by my father I was homely, made fun of at school for being skinny. It never ended. Now I'm old. BUT I'm still married to the same guy, (53yrs) Have a son and daughter and amazing grandchildren. For all of that, I am blessed. And for 72? I don't look too shabby!! Still love this song...thankyou Janis!
@PaulYoung-w4v25 күн бұрын
Janis Ian is one of the best songwriters on the planet ! Stunning .
@christinezimmer688713 күн бұрын
What a beautiful song and voice! Should be a massive hit again
@fool4singing15 күн бұрын
It's such a genius of a song; the lyric of course, but the perfectly crafted melody and chords. It's so powerful and makes people feel less alone in their own insecurities. I wish the mainstream music industry still supported music like this.
@otmeijers761Ай бұрын
I remember the year I heard it for the first time only too well, in 1975 indeed, and how it hit me and resonated sith so many of my friend sat the time. Still moves me.
@laylarayne410315 күн бұрын
Loved it then and love it now 🎉❤
@kimlibera66314 күн бұрын
At 17, it was a golden era for me. Wish I could go back.
@lanaodierna66707 күн бұрын
I always related to this song! Thank you Janis for your authenticity! ❤️
@timothycallahan416419 күн бұрын
Stunning song
@sylviacarlson356117 күн бұрын
Dearest Janis, this song really affected me. I wasn't considered ugly by most, but because I was fat from a junior in high school on, I wasn't chosen for basketball, even though I knew I was good enough to be on the team, I was totally ignored during tryouts by the coach. I got redeemed in Junior college when I had a boy who used to watch me dunk hoops and eventually went up to me and said, You're good enough to be on the boy's team." I'll never forget him and what he did to boost up my self-esteem. I bless him to this day. You did a lot for a lot of people Janis because you told the truth. By the way, you never were ugly. You were a darling of a girl and still are.
@grai12 күн бұрын
I was 15 when I first heard this and it made me feel so much less alone
@KariEngblom-Youkey16 күн бұрын
She had so many great songs, i had all her albums. This song just went straight into so many hearts and unfortunately insecurities.
@eileenhetherington37049 күн бұрын
Thank you for writing this incredibly touching song. So many of us were not chosen for so many things in school. I was a shy awkward skinny 15 year-old when I sang this for our schools talent contest. We attended a large well-funded suburban school where everyone had the best most expensive clothes and drove a trans-am. (1977). My parents didnt care much that we wore hand me downs and were teased constantly. When I got on stage to sing I was jeered at and insulted. No matter. I won anyway. Luckily the judges were the teachers, not the students.
@kingsgaurdАй бұрын
A true classic song!👆
@chrisforbesАй бұрын
She is so amazing 👍🏻
@dreamcrone11 күн бұрын
Beautiful honest song ! So relatable for most people! Thank you!
@djphylt92919 күн бұрын
My high school English teacher introduced me to Janis Ian and I am eternally grateful. Thank you Mrs. Phelan God bless you wherever you are now.❤
@sloanchessman5783Күн бұрын
I heard this song for the first time when I was 17 with a bad case of acne and very confused about my sexuality….so this song became my anthem. It was everything to me….43 years later, the acne is gone , and I’m no longer confused about my sexuality, but this song still stirs up some strong emotions and memories for me…❤
@itsjustme484822 күн бұрын
That song was a revelation to me as a teen. I didn’t know others felt so inadequate (bad lots of other adjectives) and it was reassuring know I wasn’t alone. And so beautifully done!
@paulidevoss724920 күн бұрын
She’s way too hard on herself, I wouldn’t change a word of that song, it’s just beautiful and devastating as it is. Janis Ian is a complete legend ❤️
@d.b.2812Ай бұрын
Thank this beautiful artist for being part of the soundtrack of my life❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@OTOss8Ай бұрын
What a beautiful voice.
@daveowens2719 күн бұрын
I dont think any other song ever written captures the essence of what it feels like to be a seventeen year old kid who doesn't fit in. That's why the song has stayed so evergreen. Also, it's just stunningly and hauntingly beautiful.
@Ms.W52917 күн бұрын
I love this song and always have.
@melindadurchholz373816 күн бұрын
I first heard this song when it was dark outside and my room light was off. It felt like JI was singing right to me. Telling me her secrets and sharing her heart. That year in school wasn’t too bad but it was freeing to hear that song. Every line made you think about your teen life.
@bwat936515 күн бұрын
This song brings back so many memories. I was 17 when it first came out, had always been a "fat boy ", had just lost the weight but it takes so much longer to lose the insecurity. This song made me feel like part of a community. Thank you Janis Ian, I wish you well 👍🏾
@gjonesii13 күн бұрын
Thanks for a wonderful video.
@leslieperkins272215 күн бұрын
This song has been in my mind for weeks. I didn’t look it up or talked about it. Just thought about it. And here it is on my KZbin feed.
@justanavgguy78023 күн бұрын
Society’s Child and At Seventeen, two songs by Janis, released 10 years apart but both so beautiful & impactful. I saw Janis perform in concert with Don McClean. Definitely received my money’s worth!!