Letter to Me
Brad Paisley Lyrics

If I could write a letter to me
The singer expresses a desire to communicate with their 17-year-old self.

And send it back in time to myself at seventeen
The singer wants to send the letter to their younger self

First I'd prove it's me by saying
The singer intends to establish their identity by using personal details only known to them.

Look under your bed, there's a Skoal can and a Playboy
The artist uses these items as a way to prove their identity to their younger self.

No one else would know you hid
The artist suggests that only they would know about the hidden objects.

And then I'd say I know it's tough
The singer acknowledges the difficult experiences the younger self might be going through.

When you break up after seven months
The singer references a past relationship of the younger self.

And yeah I know you really liked her
The artist acknowledges the intensity of their younger self's feelings for their ex-girlfriend.

And it just don't seem fair
The artist acknowledges that the breakup seems unjust or unfair to the younger self.

But I'll I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
The artist suggests that the pain from the breakup is temporary and rare, and that it will pass.

And oh, you got so much going for you
The singer acknowledges the positive directions the younger self's life is taking.

Going right
The artist emphasizes that the younger self is on the right track.

But I know at seventeen
The singer acknowledges the obstacles that are common for people experiencing life at that age.

It's hard to see past Friday night
The singer suggests that the younger self is focused on immediate activities, rather than long-term goals and plans.

She wasn't right for you
The singer suggests that the ex-girlfriend was not the right person for the younger self.

But still you feel like there's
The artist acknowledges that the younger self may feel hurt and betrayed even though the ending was inevitable.

A knife sticking out of your back
The artist uses vivid imagery to describe the pain the younger self might be feeling.

And you wondering if you'll survive
The singer acknowledges the severity of the younger self's emotional pain.

But you'll make it through this and you'll see
The singer suggests that the younger self will recover from the painful experience.

You're still around to write this letter to me
The artist highlights the continuity of their life despite the pain.

At the stop sign at Tomlinson and 8th
The artist provides advice on driving that is specific to their hometown.

Always stop completely, don't just tap your brakes
The artist emphasizes the importance of following the rules of the road.

And when you get a date with Bridget
The singer references a specific person from their past.

Make sure the tank is full
The artist advises their younger self to be responsible with regards to car maintenance.

On second thought forget it, that one turns out kinda cool
The singer changes their mind about giving advice on this particular topic.

Each and every time you have a fight
The singer references the inevitability of conflict.

Just assume you're wrong and Dad is right
The singer suggests that their younger self should respect their father's wisdom and experience.

And you should really thank Ms. Brinkman
The artist expresses gratitude to a teacher who helped them in the past.

She spent so much extra time
The artist emphasizes how much effort Ms. Brinkman put into helping them.

It like she sees the diamond underneath
The singer uses a metaphor to convey the impressive nature of the younger self.

And she's polishing you till you shine
The singer emphasizes how much Ms. Brinkman helped the younger self be successful.

Tonight's the bonfire rally
The artist references a specific event from their past.

But you're staying home instead
The artist suggests that their younger self missed out on a social event.

Because if you fail Algebra
The artist references a specific academic course.

Mom and Dad will kill you dead
The singer uses hyperbole to emphasize how strict their parents were.

Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
The artist suggests that their younger self will barely pass the Algebra course.

And you're still around to write this letter to me
The singer highlights the continuity of their life despite the stress they felt.

You got so much up ahead
The singer is optimistic about the younger self's future.

You'll make new friends
The singer is confident that the younger self will form new relationships.

You should see your kids and wife
The artist references a future possibility for the younger self.

And I'd end by saying have no fear
The artist provides an encouraging message.

These are nowhere near
The singer suggests that the present moment is not the be-all and end-all of life.

The best years of your life
The singer assures their younger self that they have many good years ahead.

I guess I'll see you in the mirror
The artist references the future when they will see themselves as a grown-up.

When you're a grown man
The artist envisions their future self as a successful adult.

P.S. go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can
The artist provides personal advice to the younger self.