Janis Ian - At Seventeen | The Story Behind The Song | Top 2000 a gogo

[@lionheartroar3104]

This is simply one of the greatest American songs ever written.

[@sjd5750]

Agreed.

[@imtherapycat]

This song is timeless because the lyrics touch our adolescent insecurities so precisely.

[@sherrymillerable]

I know that I am not alone but that song said everything I felt at 17. Thank you.

[@cathyrainey6176]

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.

[@bobabooey7088]

It’s a haunting song that hits home to a lot of us

[@abowling5759]

Definitely haunting! It tells the truth 😢

[@pkoven]

her explanation is almost as beautiful as the song itself. probably one of the most perfectly written songs ever.

[@davidrobertson2700]

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.

[@jeffreymartin6369]

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-1]

You should have gotten therapy to make you normal again.

[@cathyrainey6176]

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.

[@jeffreymartin6369]

@ absolutely!

[@Pullisto]

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.

[@nangel270]

This song confirmed for me that I was not alone. There were others who understood. Thank you Janis.

[@dogloverjb6873]

her voice sounds exactly the same today.... amazing. such a beautiful voice.

[@joshdrayton1230]

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.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

I read her being described as a "female Leonard Cohen". I agree with you. She really does paint pictures with her music.

[@cynthiaahern9081]

I Agree.. don't forget Tracy Chapman 😊

[@charlenerathgeb8217]

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

[@kathykb8123]

I think you missed the first commenter's point.​@@charlenerathgeb8217

[@ginadellgrottaglia6897]

​@@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.)

[@darleneschneck]

This meant so much to me as a teenager. Much love to Janis. ❤️

[@davisworth5114]

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.

[@jolynngood2746]

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.

[@bobp3738]

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.

[@lcweave2016]

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.

[@CindyKrueger]

It still touches my heart the way it did way back when. ❤

[@twistoffate4791]

Yes. Same. Some songs just hit. We feel it to the bone.

[@rickguerrero2282]

This song was HUGE when I was in school. Truly brilliant lyrics, music, and singing. Bravo.

[@julieb7785]

What a song...what a lovely lady....we absolutely grow into ourselves.

[@phillwainewright4221]

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.

[@FriendofDorothy]

First time I ever heard that. How wonderful!

[@jolaynemichaud4377]

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.

Beautiful ?

[@Daniel-r9r]

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.

[@bgrigg07]

It's in the eye of the beholder.

[@br8071]

She was beautiful. She still is.

[@charlenerathgeb8217]

I was 17 when it was released. it was as if I had written the song.

[@deborahdavis6801]

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.

[@joycemansfield1108]

I saw her in a coffee house in Northampton when I was 20.what a performance!

[@karentucker67]

Janice Ian was beautiful when she was young and now just as beautiful❤

[@juanitajaberpla8462]

One of my favorite songs, even now..

[@Solero0001]

What a fantastic song that is and beautifully sung, and wow her voice is still unbelievable now she's over 70

[@crocadoodle7101]

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. 🌷

[@mozdickson]

I was in High School back then. Touched me. Lady, you were and are very beautiful! Glad youre doing well.

[@peggooo]

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.

[@snabbisnabb595]

It does not have to be a hit to be an important song. It is timeless and has an important message.

[@FriendofDorothy]

but it WAS a hit and a pretty big one as I recall....

[@snabbisnabb595]

@@FriendofDorothy my response was at 4:00 -- it was not a hit here.

[@cheri7054]

This song speaks to many of us. It would make me cry. Good cry

[@jessicaspears3713]

She looks awesome!

[@HerrP58]

She sure does.

[@michaeldevlin517]

She is the swan!

[@joannedunn2949]

In 1979, I was a 5’ 7” blue eyed blonde with long straight hair and I felt just like Janis. Timeless song.

[@lt7378]

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.

[@barrypeterson6725]

Absolutely a classic. Brutally honest, yet has a beautiful quality. You can feel her pain.

[@patriciariddle2997]

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.

[@iandlv6835]

A beautiful song that reduces me to tears every time.

[@bsquared4604]

I pause everything when this song comes on.

[@GeorgeStar]

Such a beautiful song!

[@maureencoyle666]

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.💙💙💙🙏🏻🌎☮️🌊☘️

[@HerrP58]

What an amazing person. Thank you for baring your soul in a way that many of us could relate to.

[@bayouborn3580]

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.

[@pipercraven-zd9ui]

What a legend. Thank you, Janis.

[@calicons3]

I’ve always loved that song….brilliantly written. And, no, you’re not ugly. Even back then…

[@viviandibrell849]

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.

[@thomashusted]

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.

[@janselten4292]

Same here.

[@jmk1962]

Me too😊

[@connie6545]

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!!

[@tastx3142]

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.

[@nogunnofear6703]

So good to see Janis. She's still beautiful! What a great great song.

[@loveeveryone8057]

You really gave the world....the universe....something incredibly beautiful....thank you

[@brianarbenz1329]

This song speaks to so many of us. Thank you, Janis!

[@TheVineyarder]

It makes me cry..it hits too close to my heart..I love you Janis...

[@kathyfox3730]

Takes me right back to those days. I played her albums over and over, listening as I laid on my bed.

[@user-fd4ib4yd3t]

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

[@banditkitty2743]

you can tell when a song comes from the heart...this one certainly does.

[@dianehand1396]

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.

[@PeteKiefer]

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 ❤️

[@lostgrenadier]

A beautifully written and performed song.

[@jannetteberends8730]

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.

[@Peacetrain66]

Part of the soundtrack of my childhood. Love you Janis❤

[@ckrtom2]

Such a memorable honest meaningful song for the ages!

[@TheNoonie50]

She was and is a swan....Thank you Janis for this song.

[@guadalupepatel7986]

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 ❤

[@melissawright5716]

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.

[@BernardProfitendieu]

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!!

[@JayceeCali]

I think this iconic song is even more relevant in the social media age. Love you, Janis! 💜 💜 💜

[@nonsequitur5057]

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! 🌺

[@sherylosullivan9619]

It was a song I sang at 17. Brilliant lyrics. No one writes such powerful lyrics anymore.

[@ekassien]

A timeless classic

[@Deem57]

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.

[@Serpe10]

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! 🎶❤️🎶

[@darrellchitwood9167]

Great and beautiful song that I think relates to everyone at some level.

[@lisathornhill4177]

I couldn't love that song more. Thank you, Janis.

[@themamma341]

Beautiful voice and amazing song ❤

[@tanana2070]

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-w4v]

Janis Ian is one of the best songwriters on the planet ! Stunning .

[@christinezimmer6887]

What a beautiful song and voice! Should be a massive hit again

[@fool4singing]

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.

[@otmeijers761]

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.

[@kimlibera663]

At 17, it was a golden era for me. Wish I could go back.

[@laylarayne4103]

Loved it then and love it now 🎉❤

[@timothycallahan4164]

Stunning song

[@lanaodierna6670]

I always related to this song! Thank you Janis for your authenticity! ❤️

[@sylviacarlson3561]

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.

[@grai]

I was 15 when I first heard this and it made me feel so much less alone

[@KariEngblom-Youkey]

She had so many great songs, i had all her albums. This song just went straight into so many hearts and unfortunately insecurities.

[@kingsgaurd]

A true classic song!👆

[@eileenhetherington3704]

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.

[@chrisforbes]

She is so amazing 👍🏻

[@dreamcrone]

Beautiful honest song ! So relatable for most people! Thank you!

[@djphylt929]

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.❤

[@itsjustme4848]

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!

[@d.b.2812]

Thank this beautiful artist for being part of the soundtrack of my life❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@paulidevoss7249]

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 ❤️

[@OTOss8]

What a beautiful voice.

[@sloanchessman5783]

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…❤

[@daveowens271]

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.W529]

I love this song and always have.

[@melindadurchholz3738]

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.

[@bwat9365]

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 👍🏾

[@gjonesii]

Thanks for a wonderful video.

[@leslieperkins2722]

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.

[@paulmarynissen]

Still such an incredible voice