SHE WAS 14?! 🎵 Janis Ian - At Seventeen REACTION

[@jmelio1]

Ironically I was 17 when this song came out and was painfully shy and socially awkward. No boyfriends, no dates, and not picked for any team in gym class. When I heard this song it made me feel empowered in a way that I was not alone. Sometimes it's someone's own insecurities that can create this scenario for themselves. The teen years are rough for many even the so called 'pretty' ones.

[@quincee3376]

That's awesome that this song had a positive impact on you. Ya teen years can be very trying.

[@rogerdodger8813]

At 17 all I worried about was school and passing exams. Have I missed something???

[@kevindowdell8394]

I hear you sister✌❤

[@SilentBob731]

In retrospect, I appreciate that my teen years were rough. It better prepared me for what a shit-show adulthood is. 😉😋🥃

[@jaquestraw1]

Wow, I haven't heard this in forever!

[@netmeg]

Actually it was "Society's Child" she wrote when she was 14 or 15, and had a hit with it at 16. This one came later. But the emotional scars were still fresh and hit home to a lot of girls with similar teenage experiences.

[@stevesm4]

And she wrote the song Stars about the experience of becoming famous at such a young age. I first heard that one as the b-side of At Seventeen and found it even more traumatising.

[@Sherdelune]

"Society's Child" is just amazing. Many radio stations refused to play it because of the subject matter.

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

"But the emotional scars were still fresh and hit home to a lot of girls with similar teenage experiences." Yes, and a good number of boys too.

[@centuryrox]

Brutally honest song. Highlights the vicious insecurities of high school age. Some people never really recover from that experience, warranted or unwarranted.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

It highlights much more than the insecurities of that age, it highlights the harsh realities of life that kids learn at that age: more doors (romantic or other) open to good-looking, rich-relationed, socially popular people. It's a fact as old as civilization itself, and high school (and junior high) is when it's learned.

[@jmelio1]

@@Cosmo-Kramer and painfully learned.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@jmelio1 For those who find themselves lacking, yes, it is quite painful. It's amazing to consider how many super popular elementary school kids become social pariahs after puberty transforms everyone in junior high. Up through 6th grade, an outgoing personality was FAR more important than good looks in determining one's popularity. And then in just one year, that script is flipped 180 degrees, as boys and girls begin judging each other on their looks and athleticism (as organized sports begin), and even family social status, more than anything else. It is an especially cruel awakening for those kids whose popularity so suddenly vanished.

[@Spiritbro77]

Ravaged faces is referring to acne... She was the "ugly duckling" and never got asked out etc. Because at 17 and teens in general are ever so cruel and vain and care only for the facade or "beauty". This is a huge hit when I was in school. Hit home with a lot of us and not just girls. We all felt out of place, not good enough etc. Even the beauty queens. Part of being a teenager, at least in those days. I suspect it is even worse now with Instagram and social media. Great song from a great artist.

[@pianoman551000]

These two video commenters didn't even consider Ian's subtext to being attractive and popular at 17. The sub-text is there: "In debentures (unsecured loan) of quality and dubious integrity." The beauty queen is not secured; with age she will lose those qualities that were on "loan to her." When she fails to keep her young handsome love and maintain her beauty, "their small town eyes will gape at you, in dull surprise with payment due." Now, she's ageing and no longer can escape the truth: Everything upon which she placed importance is gone and now, in later years, she has "the guarantee of company and haven of the elderly."

[@troypage5994]

This is EXACTLY why I never attend high school reunions. Everyone who ignored you are treated you like shit in high school has selective memory. Why would I want to relive the pain of being an outcast, just because you didn't have the face of a Vogue model, you weren't the star athelete, or a cheerleader. Getting good grades or being a nice person didn't count for shit. It still doesn;t

[@VerityJ692]

They don't have the context. They likely never had the same experiences.

[@roevega9902]

Next 60’s night we must vote for Society’s Child. So raw and truthful for the time.

[@DavidSingerSongwtr]

Brad is right in this one.

[@maryhanrahan]

This came out when I was 16 - felt like she was talking about me - it is hard for people who had no trouble getting boyfriends or being popular to be in someone else's shoes when you know you are not the prettiest or best at anything or have no money to dress well. I still remember those feelings but I look back now and know I have done better in life and love than a lot of those girls - I am with my husband now for nearly 44 years and it doesn't matter that I was or am beautiful - what counts is that he makes me feel beautiful and I have a soul mate for life. I would not trade places with any of those girls - but it is hard to realise that when you are so young

[@tsrobinson8398]

Yeah, Janis Ian isn't ugly. I think she is just referring to the crippling insecurities ALL teenagers (but probably more so girls) have. I think the "ravaged faces" line may refer to acne, because the previous verse mentioned the clear-skinned faces of the beauty queens.

[@tomg6318]

yep pimples

[@donniemaher511]

Correct. Acne was rampant years ago. Tough for those with poor skin.

[@willasacco9898]

You are definitely correct.

[@Isleofskye]

I am 68 in London and it is INFINITELY more difficult for Girls as most Men are attracted visually to potential lovers and partners whereas some Men can get by(especially in later life) with Money, Fame, Intelligence, Personality, and being really funny). "Most" Men will take "looks" over all those attributes.

[@sealdrup]

correct

[@liduck52]

Its DEBENTURES of quality.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

From Wikipedia: "At Seventeen" was written by Janis Ian at the age of twenty-three and produced by Brooks Arthur. She was inspired to write the single after reading a The New York Times article about a young woman who thought her life would improve after a debutante ball and her subsequent disappointment when it did not. In the article the girl was eighteen, but Ian changed it to seventeen to fit with her samba guitar instrumental."

[@dbuck1964]

In the live video from the old gray whistle stop she clearly states that it was her experience at 17 of not getting dates and tall blonde cheerleaders that did that inspired the song. Wikipedia sucks.

[@jkbezo1]

She's mixed race, latina (Brazilian, Native American) and Jewish. She felt and looked different. Watch the live performance video it fits well. She wasn't ugly. Maybe average looking but not ugly. She was doing soft rock and folk rock in the '80s, '70s and '80s. "Under the Covers" and "Society's Child" , "Fly to High" is also good.

[@saraheart2804]

I always thought she was cute. Her dark features set her apart from the blonde beauties that were the standard at the time.

[@yellowcat1310]

i still love her. 😻😼@@saraheart2804

[@robrobertson4619]

Not sure where you get her ethnicity from? Read her biography. Both sets of grandparents were from Kiev, Ukraine, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Poland. Not sure where everyone get this “mixed race “ thing at? 😳

[@jkbezo1]

@@robrobertson4619 Articles

[@Yowza78]

In addition to being about looks, this song is also about wealth, popularity, social status. She not only felt she was being compared to prettier girls with clear skin smiles, but also girls who where homecoming queens and who had rich relatives. It's a song about insecurity and not fitting in.

[@kennedy6587]

Should’ve watched her sing this live on Saturday night live, I’m pretty sure it was on the very first episode back in the 1970s

[@Jessica_Roth]

Yes, George Carlin was the host, Billy Preston was the primary musical guest, and they had Janis on as well. (At the time, they didn't know the show would become primarily about sketch comedy; the Not Ready for Prime Time Players were competing for air time with the Muppets and short films and stand up comedians. Andy Kaufman performed on the first episode; allegedly Billy Crystal was booked, but got bumped from the running order.)

[@danielstartek9729]

Also listen to Fly Too High!

[@ralpholson7616]

Listen to Society's Child. A very powerful song.

[@bkm2797]

Such a sad tune, but it's beautiful and for many true. Thanks Brad and Lex

[@loristone9242]

Brad is on point

[@kennethleebenjamin7360]

I was 17 when this came out too, in High school and this song hit home for me too. It was a big hit ,always played on the radio 24 /7

[@kimghanson]

Damn, that song is even better than I remember. Thanks.

[@francesthompson593]

Janis Ian is a brilliant Singer/ Songwriter. A great live performer.

[@marilyn4917]

I believe she was writing a song about the angst that girls go through at that age… Whether it be how you look compared to other girls, do I fit in?, Why don’t people like me?, Do I look OK?, is my acne really noticeable?,… People with straight hair wish they had curly hair and people with curly hair wish they had straight hair. We go through all those things at that young tender age. Janis performed this when she was young and I remember watching her when the song came out. She really nailed it. And by the way, I always thought she was beautiful. I liked her look and I liked the things she said whether it be in an interview or in song. It was really popular when I was a teenager and now that I am in my 60s it still holds a lot of meaning for me. A lot of us felt like ugly ducklings back in the day and wondered if we were ever going to turn into a swan. This song holds true to this day and I hope every person listens to it and gets the meaning. It should be required listening.

[@peacemaker6662]

TBF Marilyn I was 16 when this song came out... I bought it as a single (45) and I'm a guy. This applies to both genders. Love the song, tells a story just not the whole story ;-)

[@marilyn4917]

@@peacemaker6662 That’s true, it does apply to both. Most definitely! I said girls because when she sings it it sounds like she’s referring to herself but in actuality I also agree with you that it refers to everyone.

[@Jules-um4yy]

Well said Marilyn. Such an awkward time for so many - I know young people related deeply to this song and it must have brought up painful memories for some older ones. I imagine that Janis helped many not to feel alone🌿

[@nedcassley5169]

I used to see Janis almost daily and she was adorable but it isn't hard to believe that adolescence had been hard. She's very short and has scarring from acne. Her smile is her best feature but her classmates probably didn't see it much if she was unhappy.

[@Jules-um4yy]

@@nedcassley5169 Awww, poor girl and you make a good point. Unhappy people don't smile much or they smile to hide their pain. I hope she is at peace now with herself and those around her. She is so gifted.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Many can relate

[@carlaharrington5120]

If you were an outcast of any kind and grew up when this song was released it hit home!!

[@elevenbucks5682]

Ravaged faces refers to having a lot of pimples which there was no real treatment for back then .

[@msaz2720]

I believe everyone has insecurities at that age regardless of how they look, social status, ect... Beautiful song...

[@jimyoung6271]

"Fly Too High" is one of my favourite Janis Ian songs.

[@betsyduane3461]

She wrote her first song aged 12, was signed to a recording contract at 13, recorded her first album aged 14 and scored her first hit, Society’s Child, aged 15.

[@hume1963]

I can't believe they did not understand this song. Man the lyrics are incredible.

[@chriswinwood6501]

How can anyone miss the point of this song? Somehow these two manage it.

[@ptournas]

In 1967 I saw her perform as the opening act for Donovan on his Mellow Yellow tour. She was 16 years old and did her song "Society's Child".

[@petershinnick344]

I saw her sing this beautiful song live at the Sydney Opera House in 1977 or 78. She held the audience in rapture for the night with her brutally honest songs.

[@lgwappo]

I saw her play this live on TV when it was a hit & thought she was very attractive. Had a crush on her for a year or so. As a boy I could relate to the lyrics. Girls wanted nothing to do with me until I was 25.

[@blakesun]

First time hearing all the words for this song and they are absolutely amazing.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Janis was in her 20s when she wrote this. She was inspired by a NY Times article about an 18 year old girl who thought that becoming a debutante was going to change her life in miraculous ways and found out that it doesn't. Janis changed the age to 17 because it fit better in the song. She was apparently reluctant to perform it live, but did so a few times to promote the album (by the way at the young age of about 24 this was part of her 7th studio album). She had her first hit at 16. This song however won the awards for best vocal performance, best single and best album (I believe).

[@Yowza78]

So many good lines. Love the one: we all played the game, when we dared, to cheat ourselves at solitaire. So many times the game of love and loss is a solitary one.

[@Jules-um4yy]

Such a haunting yet beautiful song. Janis was such a talented young artist with a lovely soul. Thanks so much for posting this song. Love your reaction guys - always keeping it honest🧡

[@LynnThompsonAuthor]

I'm with Brad on this one. She's a girl who never got asked out in high school, and never felt pretty enough or good enough or rich enough to get one. Always related to this song!

[@yellowcat1310]

I have loved this song and Janis Ian since this song came out back in the 70s. It still hits me and I get that reaction Lex got right at the end of the spng.

[@surferles589]

Great lyrics. Especially the 'accounting' references

[@harpergras]

One of my favorite songs since the 70`s, but so sad....She was not ugly...She was a beautiful girl.

[@loadedorygun]

I mean, my God. How do you both go through that, and see outside yourself and understand what’s gained and what’s lost on each side? To know some of that hollowness that the “chosen” girls have to exhibit, but to still feel the pain of missing out on the benefits of it. Deep shit.

[@dmmjq2]

The Brilliance behind this pop song is not only the story. But also the Jazzy Bossa Nova music.. something you might not expect and a pop song.. for the time... genius!!

[@rossobolo]

Ian is so underrated. In 1967, at age 14 or 15 she writes a minor (and controversial) hit about interracial romance Society’s Child which you MUST react to. Her next few albums were excellent folk/folk rock, but sold progressively less and her label dumped her. A few later in her early 20’s she hits a by come back with this song At 17.

[@surlechapeau]

Brad & Lex, you'll love her "Society's Child (Baby I've Been Thinking)"!! Its about an interracial relationship. edit- I think she was beautiful then (1975) and beautiful today at 71.

[@panamericachicago]

Finally... A song by one of many 70's women who challenged society's norms and questioned it's values... Try "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" by Carly Simon next... There's a great live performance from Central Park.

[@mikeferris408]

Such great writing and musicianship! The 70's werr so great for music like this.. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍

[@AlBarzUK]

You can see what she’s like Brad. She’s still around! (And she looks great to me.)

[@reality1958]

Janis Ian isn’t ugly. I would describe as average, but not ugly.

[@barbarawebb7185]

I think she was cute and even “exotic” looking.

[@buckfan1969]

You should check out her 'Society's Child'.

[@1960rlv]

Excellent reaction once again.

[@neillenet291]

Beautiful song. She eventually found a woman who loved her for who she is.

[@leejeffrey6672]

Being a famous, rich, singer didn't come into it. It was true love.

[@mikeg.4211]

Yep!

[@luiscasso1547]

You can watch her sing this song on youtube. She had numerous live performances of this song which by the way won the Grammy for best song of that year (73?). Janis Ian still sings.

[@rossmacintosh5652]

There is great wisdom & maturity in this song. When Brad wonders about just how ugly she is, he's missing that Janis is writing about a part of the human experience suffered by many, and that to discuss that needn't be autobiographical. It isn't about Janis. It's about all those feeling alone and unloved for whatever they reasons they give themselves. The beautifully sad lyrics tells that story so we can all understand a bit more some of the challenges of being human, whether through empathy or personal experience. It is brilliant.

[@guidosarducci]

Brad misses a LOT of shit, man. Thanks for your explanation; I absolutely LOVE this song as it deals with young men as well as young women.........

[@jaimegarcia6114]

I agree with your comment Ross, I also think some young men can definitely relate. I had a great teenage life but I recall not fitting in, in many situations. But I was content, though I saw many times those who were bullied and I defended them only to get myself into circumstances where I was treated like those being abused. It is one of the proudest times of my life I can recall is defending those folks, it lead to a career in law enforcement for over 30 years. Yes this music is from my youth (a teen in the 70's) and this song is relatable today. The music of 70's is so revered, that todays artists use samples of it in their music because there is nothing like it anymore.

[@jerihalter1339]

This song came out when I was a teenager and I always felt it was about me.

[@annereidy7981]

Really? It is about her and very much so, centred very definitely in the 70's, it spoke to a society on the verge of change, debutants on the decline and feminism on the horizon, women waited while men chose, and they chose what they were expected to choose! Things are so different now, so much so that this fact is lost to the present!

[@jethro1963]

Is this the same version that got radio airplay and became a hit. I don't remember the background music being so "jazzy" Is this a remake?

[@mamared56]

You got it exactly right, Brad. This song is about her experiences and how she felt about herself.

[@roydownes2458]

for boys of a certain age and condition, a lot of this was also true...

[@YorkshireLassCrochets]

Janis still has a beautiful voice and is still touring. How many of the 'pop stars' of today will be able to say that 50 years from now? Clear vocals, no auto tuning, every note hit and no need for excessive warbling. Her and Carol King...magical ❤

[@edprzydatek8398]

Last I knew, Janis Ian watched these reaction videos. Maybe she'll comment.

[@louey2x]

should watch the SNL version of this song, It's the best version and you can see she is very pretty. I think 1st season maybe 4th episode?

[@bradcolorado8149]

I'd forgotten how good this song was..it's even better with time..I agree with Brad and at 17 she probably didn't get asked to her prom

[@dmCurator]

Notwithstanding the impactful lyrics and vocal delivery, the instrumentation is spectacular.

[@BobbyRagnar]

Janis Ian is very attractive, even if she did not feel so when writing (as many young people don’t). Her first hit was Society’s Child, a song about a teenage inter-racial relationship she wrote when 14 or 15, and it got her death threats. If I remember right, she was the musical act on the very first Saturday Night live. She has a deep catalogue as a songwriter and singer, including capturing experiences being a young star and her own coming out as a lesbian. I used to watch her perform at the Bottom Line in NY whenever she came around. Great singer and songwriter, under-appreciated.

[@kenhenderson1762]

I saw a video of Janice when she was 16 (singing "Society's Child"). She certainly wasn't ugly, although she looked very Jewish. In the mid-60's that may have made many Jewish girls feel ugly, but in the 70's no one thought negatively about it.

[@trishc3099]

This was released when I was 10 or 11 and it was played to the point of ad nauseam. I believe it's pretty straightforward. Ravaged faces is referring to bad acne.

[@Kevigator]

It’s important to note the words “ugly duckling” in the song referring to the story of the ugly duckling that turned into a swan. She had a bad time in high school but made her mark in the world and turned out just fine.

[@raythomas4812]

What a song ! Get lumps in my throat every time I hear this !

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Beautiful song. Great reaction.

[@historyguy5942]

As close to a perfect song as you can get. Her voice, the music, and those lyrics--so extraordinary.

[@kennethmardis2132]

Sad song but a great song. Telling the truth

[@scotties.3414]

Janis Ian was a contemporary and sometimes collaborator with the wonderfully talented and equally sensitive Don McLean who wrote and sang the brilliant Vincent ( Starry Starry Night), another tearjerker.

[@leemcclements8889]

Song from my youth. It's "ugly duckling" syndrome. Not popular , never had dates, not noticed, pretending to have a boyfriend, not pretty...etc. She was left out.

[@SilverMinstrel]

Janis Ian writing and singing amazing lyrics and playing amazing jazz chord progressions as well.!

[@scorpiouk5914]

I have a unique perspective on this song. I graduated in 1985, a closeted lesbian. I stayed in the closet until I got to college. Back then, it was safer that way. I got to watch some of my male (yes, this happened to guys too) and female friends live out this song in high school. It was painful too watch, but ultimately all I could do was be the best friend I could be to them.

[@MrSirnatas]

The kids in the popular cliques don't see the pain they cause excluding and making fun of those not popular

[@billshine401]

She was not ugly. Perhaps introverted.

[@salmuscles]

there’s a great live version where she explains the song before playing it ... 1976 live version

[@Rwededyet]

Is this the version you're thinking of? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH64q2WKg7KpgpI

[@marine4lyfe85]

That's my go to.

[@readhistory2023]

You might like Rickie Lee Jones "Chuck E's in Love", "On Saturday Afternoons In 1963 ", or "The Last Chance Texaco"...Or better yet just play the whole album. Rickie Lee Jones (1979)

[@tonydelapa1911]

Terrific album! Still sounds new and relevant today.

[@hototowhistler]

Chuck E's in Love was my favorite. And still is : )

[@tonydelapa1911]

@@hototowhistler her SNL performance was amazing. Included Chuck E’s In Love

[@splitsandpens]

Tea and Sympathy. Take a listen.

[@chriswinwood6501]

Oh God yes. That one is heart shattering. The whole album is perfect.

[@roydownes2458]

i always thought the lyrics were "And death ensures a quality/And dubious integrity...'

[@rhondamcbath6279]

Here's the flip side of seventeen, The ravaged face I thought so sad, I now see were not so bad. The ugly whispers behind my back, crushed my soul and that's a fact, but now I turn around and see me, myself at 63. The lines etched upon my face, the years passed by with so much grace, the pain and sadness I did erase and no longer see that face of 17... SECURE -CONFIDENT- BOLD-BEAUTIFUL-AND NEVER HAPPIER!! 🥰😍🤩

[@lawrencekelli]

My fav song of her's when I was seven..was ''Ran to fast fly to high..I love it to this day! Brad you got this song .And btw she is absolutely beautiful!

[@markraven7316]

It's not about being ugly, it's about comparison to others. When I was a teenager, teen age girls dated older guys with cool cars etc. A lot ended up pregnant and confused. Great song.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

I miss driving to sports events in the 70s and 80s with the radio on and all the quality music that wasn’t on some classic rock channel, but new and on the charts. True art and talent ruled.

[@marcus_ohreallyus]

Janis Ian has a great voice. It's like having warm melted butter poured into my ears.

[@TheGreatGig73]

She actually was pretty.

[@raenellefisher8514]

She still tours, and I follow her on Facebook. She's very funny and cool today.

[@edmundhenry5095]

I saw her at a concert when she "Society's Child" was on the radio mid 60's. She toured with Donovan? and she was very young....

[@montylc2001]

Went for boys also...dorks like I was at 17. But...10 years later I started filling out...got to the point at 35 I just about had to keep the women at bay with a stick. I was even hit on by one of the prettiest girls in our class when I was in my early 30's and when she realized who I was, it was the greatest payback to tell her to F**** OFF!

[@jackiec859]

Brad, you nailed it. Although I was not an 'ugly girl' at that age, I was treated that way by some girls because I was an introvert from the east side of Detroit (blue collar), and they were from what we called the 'golden ghetto' (upper income) on the west side. They were fueled on meanness.

[@TheRealSweetcherryo]

I was 15 at the time this was released and had just started experiencing the things she describes....it was like it was written for me...

[@JoseMorales-hy1tc]

I remember this songs so much cause it brings me back some beautiful moments in my life cause my girlfriend was also 17 at that time. I am so sorry I couldn’t understand what she was going through. It’s a painful time for girls.

[@Ekkis25]

Sometimes Brad says things that reveal how sweet and compassionate he truly is

[@lynnie6633]

You guys are one of my favorite reactors. Thank you so much for not stopping the videos a bunch of times, or worse, singing along with the videos. Plus you offer intelligent comments after. Keep it going!!!!!

[@didsomebodysaydmt8193]

She also re wrote this song to pay homage to Jerry Seinfeld dating a 16 year old girl. Some of the best Stern radio in history,lol.

[@FuturologyTheMusical]

She was actually very cute.

[@Beatles4Sale.]

This is why it’s important for a girl to have a father that tells her how beautiful she is and increases her self esteem. Otherwise she will find it from someone else. ❤️❤️❤️

[@bradsullivan2495]

"Society's Child" is her other iconic song--about an interracial relationship ruined by bigotry. Written in the mid-60's.

[@davehess1019]

Brad you nailed it, 100%

[@TheConchologist]

Its sad and poignant somber haunting and sublime

[@tombritt5223]

Great song. tnx!

[@karendeloof8306]

I totally related to this song when in high school. I was not ugly but I felt ugly because I never had a date in high school. But I did get picked for teams, fairly atheletic. Truth,I never liked the "jocks", to stuck on themselves. And at 5' 9" , I saw all the guys wanting the petite cute girls. But I did get married.