17
Chester Lockhart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then it all went away
I don't know who I am
But I know there's hell to pay
If you do what you're told
They'll let you keep your soul
Do as they say, but I strayed
Can you help me find my way home?
I can't get there on my own
You don't know what I've seen
I'm only 17
Can you find someone to love me?
I don't know anybody
Stories in silver screens
Alone at 17
Drive your expensive car
Down Sunset Boulevard
You make the girls run wild
But no one knows who you are
Chemicals in your hair
See-through underwear
What does it cost
Your heart is lost
Hey,
Can you help me find my way home?
I can't get there on my own
You don't know what I've seen
I'm only 17
Can you find someone to love me?
I don't know anybody
Stories in silver screens
Alone at 17
Life is too dark in the light of day
At night my dreams are so far away
The streets are so mean, I can't help but scream
Don't wanna be 17
So let the church bells ring
Give up on everything
And let the angels sing me home, home, home, home, home
Can you help me find my way home?
I can't get there on my own
You don't know what I've seen
I'm only 17
Can you find someone to love me?
I don't know anybody
Stories in silver screens
Alone at 17
The song "17" by Chester Lockhart is about the struggles of being a teenager, of being lost and feeling alone. It speaks of the highs and lows of life that come with growing up, from feeling on top of the world one day to feeling like everything has gone away the next. The lyrics convey the feeling of being caught between wanting to follow the rules and stay safe, but also wanting to break free and explore. The line "If you do what you're told, they'll let you keep your soul" highlights the pressure that young people face to conform, to fit in, and to be successful according to society's standards.
The song highlights the constant search for connection and love, which is a universal feeling but is especially heightened during teenage years when one is trying to figure out their identity. The line "can you find someone to love me? I don't know anybody" reflects the feeling of being lost and disconnected from those around you. The song also touches on the darker parts of teenage life, like substance abuse, insecurity, and the struggles of keeping one's heart intact in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.
Overall, "17" is a powerful and relatable song that speaks to the universal experiences of growing up and trying to find your place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Top of the world one day
I was successful and happy at one point in time
Then it all went away
Suddenly and without explanation, everything started to fall apart
I don't know who I am
I feel lost and unsure of my identity
But I know there's hell to pay
I'm aware that the consequences of my actions will catch up with me eventually
If you do what you're told
If you follow orders without question
They'll let you keep your soul
You'll be allowed to maintain your morals and values
Do as they say, but I strayed
I didn't always follow the rules and now I'm paying the price
Hey
Addressing someone for help
Can you help me find my way home?
Can you help me feel safe and secure again?
I can't get there on my own
I'm too lost and confused to navigate my way back alone
You don't know what I've seen
You don't understand the traumatic experiences I've been through
I'm only 17
I'm still young and vulnerable
Can you find someone to love me?
Can you help me find someone who cares for me?
I don't know anybody
I don't have any close relationships
Stories in silver screens
The fantastical tales portrayed in movies and TV shows
Alone at 17
Feeling isolated and without support at a young age
Drive your expensive car
Having material possessions and status symbols
Down Sunset Boulevard
On a road that represents fame and fortune
You make the girls run wild
Having power and influence over others
But no one knows who you are
Feeling disconnected from your true self and others
Chemicals in your hair
Using substances and products to enhance your appearance
See-through underwear
Wearing revealing clothing
What does it cost
The true toll of superficiality and chasing after fleeting pleasures
Your heart is lost
Feeling emotionally disconnected and empty
Life is too dark in the light of day
The harsh realities of life are more apparent during the day
At night my dreams are so far away
Feeling like your hopes and aspirations are unattainable
The streets are so mean, I can't help but scream
The world feels hostile and overwhelming
Don't wanna be 17
Longing to be past the difficult and tumultuous teenage years
So let the church bells ring
Finding comfort in religion and spiritual practices
Give up on everything
Feeling defeated and hopeless
And let the angels sing me home, home, home, home, home
Finding solace in the idea of death and an afterlife
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Chester Lockhart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind