If I could write a letter to me And send it back in time to myself at 17 First I'd prove it's me by saying 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 seven months And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair All I can say is pain like is fast and it's rare
And oh you got so much going for you going 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 sticking out of your back And you're wondering if you'll survive 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 Eighth Always stop completely don't just tap your breaks And when you get a date with Bridgett 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 dad is right And you should really thank Mrs. 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 going for you going 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 will 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've got so much up ahead You'll make new friends You should see your kids and wife And I'd end by saying 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 going for you going 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