If I could write a letter to me
and send it back in time to myself at seventeen
first I'd prove it's me by sayin'
look under your bed, there's a Skoal can and a Playboy
no one else would know you hid
and then I'd say I know it's tough
when you break up after 7 months
and yeah I know you really liked her
and it just don't seem fair
but all I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
and oh you got so much goin' for you
goin' right
but I know at 17
it's hard to see past Friday night
she wasn't right for you
and still you feel like there's
a knife stickin' out of your back
and you're wonderin' if you'll survive
but you'll make it through this and you'll see
you're still around to write this letter to me
at the stop sign at Tomlinson and 8th
always stop completely, don't just tap your brakes
and when you get a date with Bridgette
make sure the tank is full
on second thought forget it, that one turns out kinda cool.
each and every time you have a fight
just assume you're wrong and daddy's right.
and you should really thank Miss Brinkman
she spent so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
and she's polishin' you 'til you shine.
and oh you got so much goin' for you
goin' right
but I know at 17
it's hard to see past Friday night
tonight's the bonfire rally
but you're staying home instead
because if you fail algebra
mom and dad'll kill you dead
trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
and you're still around to write this letter to me
you got so much up ahead
you'll make new friends
you should see your kids and wife
and I'd end by sayin' have no fear
these are nowhere near
the best years of your life
I guess I'll see you in the mirror
when you're a grown man
p.s. go hug aunt Rita every chance you can
and oh you got so much goin' for you
goin' right
but I know at 17
it's hard to see past Friday night
I wish you'd study Spanish
I wish you'd take a typing class
I wish you wouldn't worry let it be
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see
