Janis Ian - At Seventeen

Live Midnight Special 1976

[@richardbuse228]

Some of the most honest lyrics ever written

[@inmyopinionjff2624]

"The world is made for beauty queens....." and jocks. Nice people lacking in "the looks department" finish last. Until age sets in, that is, and then we're all in the same boat. I love the lyrics to this song and many of Janis' songs. Her whole album, "Between The Lines" was amazing. I saw her in concert in about 1975 or 1976 doing a promo tour in Ottawa, Canada.

[@ewazizemska781]

Yes ❤

[@ikeman61able]

Truly one of the greatest songs ever recorded

[@markatkins4867]

So so true and well said 🤗🌻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@lawrencebarclay9030]

yes, truly one of the greatest songs ever recorded. It’s no lie no exaggeration.

[@Musicman4001007]

I can very much relate to this song as a guy....In high school I was extremely shy, no pathetically shy, never talked to girls, and just an average looking guy. I never had a date or kissed a girl. I picked up a guitar at 15, and joined a high school band. At the school assembly the front row of students jaws dropped who called my name and couldn’t believe I was onstage in a rock band. That was in 1976. Music is so powerful...I am married today and still in a rock band. Music changed my life!

[@kimciszek-kane397]

Great happy u reached you're happy place

[@stevejames5863]

sounds like my high school days. i was very quiet, i became very good at guitar quickly, i was very musical, i started playing in top rock bands at 15, and a lot of pretty girls started to really like me.and i became popular for a few years, however, i started to have different problems in the rock n roll world. i m still a musician today....and i rem this song when i was a kid, on the radio,

[@jamesrobja5195]

I formed a band in 76 n saw more azzz than a public toilet. Great times ladies night always was. Now I'm an old fart but still the memories and no regrets

[@craigbrowning9448]

I learned to play Jazz Organ, I got some surprised reactions when it was revealed I could play, but I sensed more Resentment than Approval. I started to find Women that I wanted to date in Jr. College, but as someone on the Autism Spectrum, I'm more or a liability than an asset where relationships are concerned.

[@RayEY1962]

My story wasn't much different!! Music was the cement that bound and taught me in my teen years! And now confidence abounds! God Bless!

[@brulindavin]

I'm 62 years old and listening again. Ageless. What a beautiful song and beautiful person.

[@michaelmadrid]

Thank you Janis for giving a voice to the hopeless introverts and helpness nerds. We love you!

[@larrybrown6340]

A ageless song

[@gpmegaman]

We really do. Courage would be nice, but I'll be more than satisfied just to be understood.

[@Sean-fh2rq]

and what a voice

[@thomasm8699]

Amen

[@tonyharden7159]

This song may be largely forgotten but it will - NEVER - be out of style.

[@mapiador]

I can almost feel the pain in her voice as she sings this song. I have heard covers of this song including Celine Dion, but no one can match the original.

[@marymitchell8023]

I felt it.

[@edithcarter3554]

Absolutely not.

[@unamckillen7125]

Covers that are better are rare. To me only Linda Ronstadt can do it.

[@kimciszek-kane397]

Agree! When I first this it hurt me, it hit to close to me

[@lorrainedusseau5760]

Yeah, I feel I missed a lot. Was friends with guys but not often their " girlfriend" Their were 5 guys I hung out with. There were 5 proms( one was my prom, as friends of course.My hero Army bf wasn't gonna make it home in time. One weekend off, sad eh?)

[@paris0672]

Beautiful song , Beautiful woman singing it, Beautiful people listening to it.

[@tankhalffull]

Truly an amazing tune.., at 65, it still has such deep meaning and truth...

[@ITslob]

This song is a beautiful representation of the way things are at 17. Janis displayed a real insight in writing and performing this song.

[@user-rp1vw1jl2n]

So true . Beautifully done. A masterpiece !!

[@TheYamahog12]

Not for everyone. But for us “unpopular” kids, yes.

[@jmdenison]

ah the pain and angst of being a teen girl. she captures it perfectly. a true shining star

[@MegaUltimateHD]

Truly one of the most beautiful , honest songs ever... Music of today can't touch an emotion like this,!!!

[@craigmarr7986]

Only emotion todays music has is filthy LUST. This is why its not worth a crap.

[@lauramalek3128]

There is an expression - the eyes are the windows to the soul. Who the HECK can watch this video, and not see Janis's soul? Such a tremendous song. ❤

[@TheWebbo69]

Laura - listen to her do 'Stars' - the eyes tell the story again...

[@lauramalek3128]

@@TheWebbo69 oh heck yes. Her heart is literally in every one of her songs on every album. Love her to pieces, have seen her twice live.

[@stevelane6919]

Remember Janis Ian was a pop star at 16.

[@ColonelSponsz]

Merveilleuse interprete, poetesse, et jolie fille hyper sympa !!! Chanson innoubliable depuis 1 975 !!!

[@winstonpaul1690]

❤

[@tompostel6688]

God Bless your heart for this song. My son took his life after coming home from the Army. Daniel never had a normal high school experience. I light a candle when I listen to this song.

[@BeakerInShortShorts]

I’m so sorry. ♥️

[@lauramalek3128]

Bless his memory. 💔❤

[@badwater]

I'm so sorry, Tom.

[@suzesinger6762]

Tears for you n your son, my brother. God bless you and your wonderful memories.

[@taylordiclemente5163]

May he RIP and may his memory be a blessing.

[@capitolguy106]

An honest song that applies to those of us who were average looking, no family money, but happy. Through hard work & good choices, many of us scraped together money to finish college and live our dreams. I understand this song more than I did when it was released.

[@thinkingoutloud6741]

This song came out in 1975, the year I turned 17. Even though I’m a guy, it still resonated then, and still brings back powerful emotions now.

[@user-zn8kd5bx5u]

you dont have to be a female to absolutely love this song--I've loved it since I heard it the first time and that "long ago and far away"!

[@u686st7]

Me too.

[@flowertrue]

the only song that has ever expressed how I felt as an awkward, unwanted teenage girl in school and at home

[@user-qr9uh1fd8g]

Same as me. 27 years of munchausen by proxy from my mommy and not telling on her and my uncle and realize at 51 I'm Innocent and autistic savant woman and I loved my mommy and I helped everyone else except me. I thought low self esteem was modesty. Saying bed things about myself to be alone because mommy said no one would ever understand me and how I was stabbed at age 4. I took the blame for what my mother did and said .

[@steverads8816]

@@user-qr9uh1fd8g Fuck. And I thought I had it bad.

[@user-qr9uh1fd8g]

@@steverads8816 God bless me with empathy. God bless me with being a idiot savant woman and a woman who loves her country and my family. God bless me with multiple Sclerosis. I'm sorry I realize this year how much I dissociate from the PTSD. Because I read the text message from my phone and the comments I don't remember writing them or feeling that way or recognize the comments and text messages from my phone. So distracted by my multiple Sclerosis I've been unaware of the ptsd episodes and tourette episodes. Alls I could do was helping everyone else except for me and love and respect and forgive my mommy and my father and my love for my family and my country and help make the world a better place. Because my IQ 99 th% not enough to fix my PTSD dissociation episodes. I'm a idiot savant disabled woman and God knows my good heart and good works. This song reminds me of being poor and having acne and being made fun of for 12 years of school. Now I get made fun of on the internet. Because I'm poor and disabled woman and stupid

[@algreene875]

Telling on them for what?@@user-qr9uh1fd8g

[@in2food]

Not only is this accurate, it’s delicately crafted to last for decades.

[@u686st7]

It's probably just as true. Times change, but human nature doesn't.

[@CharlesStanding]

I think she was and still is just beautiful.

[@stevejames5863]

yes , you see, when she sings this song, her beauty, and depth, comes out, and she is far from ugly.

[@sandraparker7348]

Agreed

[@user-kf5vz6tk5p]

She is absolutely beautiful along with her soft and angelic voice. Thank you for this upload and the nice visit of memory lane.

[@gordonames1892]

ROGER THAT!! LOVE THAT GUITAR BACKGROUND.

[@andrewilson7538]

Very.🌹

[@g-love6507]

Might be one of the greatest songs ever written !

[@daviddavirgi6889]

Janis Ian, sings this song from her heart and anyone going through teenage angst can identify with this song. I remember thinking acne was such a dreaded curse but looking back I see it's a part of growing up.

[@jennifergale4249]

Love this, brings back so many memories

[@TravelersFrenchCheatSheet]

A masterpiece by a genius, but only one of many brilliant songs Janice wrote. She's one of the greats.

[@lorack75]

These lyrics move me to tears from time to time.... I sometimes feel this was written about my life... 💗

[@linocolon8249]

She looked so beautiful singing this song in all her sincere pain.

[@BeakerInShortShorts]

What “pop” song nowadays would have “dubious integrity “ in the lyrics. Brilliant in so many ways.

[@lauramalek3128]

"Debentures of quality" too. ❤

[@brucesteinfeld4911]

... payments due exceeding accounts received.

[@craigbrowning9448]

Too many people in the business side of Music have "Dubious Integrity."

[@trsands4497]

THis song still sends shivers down my spine almost 50 years later. It resonated with me back then and still does now. THank God I'm no longer that person.

[@r.b.somers2052]

This song still brings tears to my eyes.

[@sjs928]

Evokes hauntingly awkward teenage memories ... I was 15 and it still takes me there ... Highschool in '76 ...whoa.

[@jacquelinea3358]

Her singing is so effortlessly lovely. I have loved "At Seventeen" for years and I relate to the lyrics, because it's about being an outsider. That's me.... always a little different. As a teenager, I wasn't ugly but certainly no beauty queen. My problem was I was horribly shy. And being shy is the kiss of death in high school. Well, I grew up (finally!) and I found I just didn't fear being ME anymore. If I could only go back in time with what I know today... But since I can't do that, I love to talk with young people whenever I can. I encourage them to speak their minds, and I listen. I tell them how powerful and beautiful they are. And they give me this little look, and I know that in that moment, they believe me when I say they are GREAT.

[@cramer7854]

Jacqueline Outcast Beautiful thoughts Jacqueline. Sorry, but everyone is not GREAT.

[@unamckillen7125]

Jacqueline Outcast Me too. Horribly shy. I didn't do high school, a girl's convent. At college I was worse. You go there, you assume you will meet a guy who becomes your husband. Your first year; you assume. College parties, dances, concerts. No, other girls get there first. Second year, your friends are friends and they are female and male. The guys who were looking in your first year are now looking for freshers. You are no longer fresh. Third year, even worse. Every friend, every guy you might have thought was a friend - taken and gone as a friend. You are on your own.

[@TheSweetblue2]

Jacqueline Outcast My respects for you ! This is oll about teaching that every one is beautiful..=) You make me smile! Hi from Mexico! I loved this song and still Love it!

[@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles]

+Jacqueline Outcast I read your post and it was chilling- because I could have written every word, except I was an outsider boy, shy around the girls, not anywhere near the popular crowd. And just like you wrote, a wonderful thing happened when I graduated: I just didn't care what anyone thought anymore. You phrased it 100% perfectly: "I just didn't fear being ME anymore." I remember once, a kid who was the cashier at a store remarked that he liked the had I was wearing. It's one of those "Elmer Fudd" hunter's hats. I started wearing them way before everyone else picked up on them. He said he'd love to wear one, but was afraid of what the other kids would say. I told him I went through the same thing and in fact, took some lumps for wearing the had even as a grown up. Then I told him the wold belongs to nerds like us and we always rise above the so-called popular crowd! He laughed and then said "you're right." He said he was going to get the hat- I told him to wear it with pride! I wonder if Janis knows just how many people she has touched with her song...

[@jimogrady1131]

i was a shy kid so i turned to alcohol

[@herbertturner8808]

A timeless classic.

[@joebeeler990]

My high school boyfriend loved this song. He has been gone for thirty years. This song is like a visit from the handsome men who took my youth, and taught me how to love.

[@themanbill11]

Just as powerful now as it was in the mid-70s. 😀

[@richardplume3212]

Totaly agree ha time goesby but unfortunatly some people dont

[@terencechesworth9061]

The most beautiful lady of the 70's , thank you Janis you give hope to all the ugly ducklings. xx

[@LynchDaddy78]

I'll echo all of the fine sentiments said by others. I was 15 when this came out, it struck my heart then & still does today. She wrote a song for the ages. Btw, check out "Society's Child" also, another great song that tears my heart out. Love to Janis.

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

Remember, those who win the game They 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... That is a master class in songwriting...

[@ponchoman49]

Both Janis and this song are a thing of utter beauty.

[@irishsetterarchie]

A masterpiece, beautiful in its saddness and truth, timeless and that's just the song....Janice is the real treasure.

[@sirvayr]

Her voice is an angelic whisper that cuts like a knife. I read that she received about 500 valentines after this came out.

[@brooklynrocks2396]

This song and Society's Child knock it out of the ball park. Her voice is so perfect in emotion. ❤❤❤❤

[@poom641]

I was a beautiful guy at 17, long ago. I was athletic, talented, and gifted in some arts. But i had such a harsh father that shut me down so completely that i could not communicate with virtually any girl back then, just a few words here and there and i actually remember feeling most comfortable in college with girls i was not attracted to because i didn't feel the pressure with them. I remember gorgeous girls just climbing on my school desk to get my attention, i could not speak. They soon realized or thought i was 'weird' . So much affects us as we are growing up. I didn't really break out of my shell until i was in my early 20's, and it was the aggressive pursuit of me from young ladies that made it happen

[@sandylaurens4158]

When I was in HS , I asked a black friend to a Vise A Versa dance night . He was black, but just a friend. My dad almost didn't let me go. Said the world wasn't ready for this !

[@graemekatting5239]

Long ago and far away. True. The scars still linger and show. A song for all of us who never stood out in the light. Life got better Janis.

[@user-zn8kd5bx5u]

standing out in the light is something that not everyone desires- whenever I felt I was too close to that light, I stepped back.

[@RobertLee-do7rv]

Wow. You can just feel the words through her eyes and her magical voice. Mesmerizing.

[@lynntress891]

I hurt inside when I here this song for the people who were treated bad

[@soulvaccination8679]

Lynn Tress that would be me alright..

[@sleazoid99]

Yes, but we don't have to be treated bad to feel this way

[@user-vr4pc2vl7t]

Thank you

[@danant62]

Damn right Janis. Love the song.

[@iworkfortravel]

Wow at 17 so true at so sad!

[@monnaherring7257]

I read that she recorded "At Seventeen" in 1974... when I was 17. The song was released in August 1975 after I turned 18. This was MY song. I could even pretend that I was the "brown haired girl in hand-me-downs, whose name I never could pronounce." Great song!

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Grew up with this song and Janis’s music; wow she’s so superb with guitar slinger skills and vocals. What a storyteller, sad but true … 🤍🤍🤍

[@leesey636]

One of the greatest songs ever. There are few real young women who could not relate to this at 17 -or any other age. What a masterpiece of human connection and understanding.

[@matthiasmajoris4029]

Always been hard to keep a tear back whenever I listen to this one.

[@ClareHead]

Wonderful erudite cool worded song. So true. Thank goodness I am not 17 any more!

[@ronc1772]

Watched this song upside down every time she came on TV to learn the chords, along with a cassette recorded from the TV speaker. That was how you learned a song back then...❤

[@silla-je9od]

Those sad brown eyes rip me to shreds. Her voice just soars at, "We all play the game ..." 🎶🎵

[@charleswilliams8248]

A great song written form a broken heart 💔!

[@richardespinosa6115]

This song was about my wife,so she says.I always loved this song.I I met my wife 15 years later.I I had no idea she felt this way back then. Her and Janis are beautiful

[@robertmullen7325]

that was beautiful to share that. thank you

[@estelamendonca3644]

Painful and beautiful song.

[@chevychase]

God bless Janis for this perfect song...

[@Jimmy110459]

I was 17 in 1977. I had friends and a couple of girlfriends, dates were not much of a problem. I was out almost every night. I worked and went to college. I socialized with those around me. Why then did Janis Ian's At Seventeen still hit home with me back then? We all can relate in one way or another.

[@MrTifmik1]

It's empathy. Some of us never experienced it ourselves, but we know it's really hard on others and we feel bad about it. It's a great thing to befriend one who needs it.

[@michaeljulien1]

One of the most stunning songs i have ever heard! Emotionally, its the best! Thank you Janis Ian.

[@TheDataMaestro]

So, So Good! Immerse yourself in the words, it brings you to another whole reality. Not just a song, Ian tells a sad story. In less than 5 minutes she gives you a different perspective on a small part of life but one that has a major impact on those "less fortunate."

[@edithcarter3554]

I was such a shy child and teen that I certainly related to this song as a kid. I have always loved this song. Beautiful song.

[@davenorth8922]

If this was rereleased in 2021 it would top the charts again. Timeless.

[@user-vr4pc2vl7t]

I was worse than ignored in school, but this song spoke to my heart. I felt like she was singing about me. I would wait for it to play on my little transistor radio and sing along. I was about 15 when it was released. It still touches me today.

[@timkjazz]

Gorgeous sad eyes.

[@jamescampbell2]

When I was driving I hear the music on the radio I have to have more of her magic thanks forever

[@timflorio4677]

I grew up with this extraordinary song. I always put it in a folk Category. I am 65 yrs old now. I loved hearing this again. Its nice to be able to respond in the comments. This life is too short somedays. God bless😊

[@marksweeney7051]

Brilliant song writing, beautiful voice. This song has infected my brain, in a good way.

[@jazzlover9050]

This was my life at that age , crazy I always feel she sang it for me lol , I’m 53 now and still brings me back to my sad teenage years ,

[@unkolawdio]

Yes Janis...you MASTERPIECE Person

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

I think Janis is exotic and Beautiful . Always have.

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

I remember when this came out, I was 15 but it resonated.

[@memoriesofdaysgoneby2348]

This song plucks a universal chord in the hearts of disenfranchised teenagers of every past, present, and future generation. WHERE HAVE YOU GONE JANIS IAN?

[@KARYNLS2]

She is very active, thank goodness

[@JohnKunkleAuctioneer]

Thats ART ... in its finest version

[@frankcarter7146]

Timeless classic

[@anthonyredshaw1931]

Timeless

[@scotttimothy64]

Lyrically this is the greatest song ever written.

[@ChristianRThomas]

Jenny, If you ever find this, then this how much i loved you - my favourite lost treasure. My darling Jenny. You were always loved.

[@robertmullen2375]

5 years ago I hope she finds this message from you. I feel for you

[@kristawelch5048]

She is still a amazing artist❤

[@thoughtsurferzone5012]

That era of 70's singer/songwriters will never be matched.

[@someoneelseright4671]

I remember this, growing up in a third world country, playing on the radio.... and thought of it as a hauntingly beautiful song that we can all relate to. Brings nostalgia... just beautiful era of music then!

[@inthesurf0766]

I remember listening to this song in my bedroom and looking at the pimples on my face and feeling so rotten and all the girls would tease me and call me pizza face

[@suzanneoshannessy7666]

Beautiful song

[@Porsche911sss]

Old school, a story worth listening to ....

[@sylvatica7]

This is what songs should be like - heart-felt and relating to real life

[@wowojeejee]

With a great melody, which seriously lacks in today's music.

[@TalyaRostova]

Listening to this song, at seventeen... and... I feel beautiful, but much of the world tells me often that I'm not. And there are the small, but persistent voices that have risen unexpectedly to remind me that I am beautiful, and loved. And maybe I'm losing the game, but I have the love that I've gained... and I wouldn't trade it for anything. This song is a beautiful expression of the pain of adolescence. As always, Janis Ian expresses the feelings of those who cannot do so for themselves.

[@user-hf9bj5xn8m]

This song touches so many

[@Bluesdirections]

I cannot listen to this song without tearing. At 56.

[@Timbo195771]

I grew up during this time and have always loved her songs and meanings..Truth

[@suzesinger6762]

Hmmm....loved this lovely sad song ...in my teens - and honoured to remember it and sing it in my sixties on my channel. X

[@alejandroestradachaparro5804]

Nunca olvídare ese hermoso día domingo y está canción representa mi adolescencia y tantos sueños maravillosos. Gracias!.

[@janicetotten6388]

She is so achingly beautiful.

[@annbrowne297]

Young girls head this song , no matter what you were called by your mother or her man of the month, you can be anything you want

[@patrickbass3542]

Gay or straight, popular or wallflower , Janis caught the angst of the teenage experience...deep inside we were all like this.

[@muyamuyamwa7907]

Heard this for the first time watching "Miller's Girl". Beautiful song.

[@MrSteve280]

I was in my early 20s when this song came out and I cannot begin to tell you how many women I dated identified with it. Up until then I believed all girls lived in a world of niceness and naivete', protected from all of the bad things in life. Girls had it easy. But then came more serious relationships and I learned different. Years later I saw my own daughter go through the unbearable cruelty of adolescence. I can't help but tear-up when I hear this song.

[@marko9748]

Every time for about 43 years, I get tear up and I get a lump in my throat. I'm not even a girl but the sadness and misery is there in every word and tone.

[@paleobc65]

Oh yeah girls are awful to eachother, many highschool dramas center around the teenage angst of girls

[@lauramalek3128]

What a good dad you are to relate to your daughter's emotional struggles through this lovely song.

[@marionsmith676]

Cried as a small child listening to this my beautiful cousin Tonya would turn it off ❤

[@christopherlococo2483]

I connected to this song, it may as will been my story she sang. Also ironically my 17th yr of age. Her music soothes my soul. Thank you Janis.

[@leftylimbo]

Growing up on L.A.'s Westside in the '70s, songs like these remind me of being in my mom's '69 VW Bug or my dad's '72 Dodge Dart, tagging along with them on random errands or shopping trips to Zody's, Two Guys and Fedco. I was about 5 yrs. old when this song first came out, but it certainly stayed on the charts for quite some time. I remember 1976 being such a good year; we had house parties seemingly every other weekend that was full of laughing, dancing and drinking grownups while the kids like myself ran and frolicked completely unsupervised. I was too young and distracted back then to ever know how profoundly deep and painful this song was, although I do remember quite a few songs from back then, like this one, that would have enough intensity to put me into a melancholy and wistful mood, even as a child. They featured this song and artist this morning on KCRW and it immediately brought me back to those golden days, so I just had to revisit it here on KZbin. Thanks for sharing.

[@booboo165able]

This timely 1976 hit for Janis Ian earned her a Grammy and became a song for the age's. Myself and many people can relate to the poignant lyrics that explain the self doubts we may have had growing up in our teen years. It truly is a timeless classic.

[@michaelstone4763]

A remarkable artist. "Between The Lines" was a great album.

[@4evaavfc]

Great singer, didn't appreciate her talent when I was 17.

[@user-hf9bj5xn8m]

A true balladeer .......