Thirteen
Kathryn Williams Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Won't you let me walk you home from school?
Won't you let me meet you at the pool?
Maybe Friday I can get tickets for the dance
And I'll take you

Won't you tell your dad, "Get off my back"?
Tell him what we said about 'Paint it black'
Rock 'n' roll is here to stay
Come inside where it's okay and I'll shake you

Won't you tell me what you're thinking of?
Would you be an outlaw for my love?




If it's so, well, let me know
If it's no, well, I can go, I won't make you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kathryn Williams’s song Thirteen encapsulate the feelings of young love and the potential of a new relationship. The first verse expresses the desire to spend more time with the person of interest, asking if they could walk them home from school or meet them at the pool. The second verse shows the rebellious side of young love, encouraging the person to stand up to their dad and embrace the rebelliousness of rock ‘n’ roll. The final verse asks for clarity in the person’s feelings, offering the option to stay or go depending on their response.


The lyrics convey emotions that are universal to everyone regardless of age, as we can all relate to the excitement of new relationships, the desire for rebellion and the need for clarity. Williams captures the joy and uncertainty that comes with youth, the excitement of new experiences, and the importance of honesty to make sure everyone is on the same page.


The song was originally written by Big Star, an American rock band. Williams' version received critical acclaim and was featured in the soundtrack of the movie "A Walk to Remember".



Line by Line Meaning

Won't you let me walk you home from school?
Can I walk you home from school as a gesture of love and care?


Won't you let me meet you at the pool?
Can I join you at the pool and spend some time with you?


Maybe Friday I can get tickets for the dance And I'll take you
I'm planning to take you to the dance, would you be interested?


Won't you tell your dad, "Get off my back"? Tell him what we said about 'Paint it black'
Could you ask your dad to trust us and not interfere, and we had a conversation about 'Paint it black'


Rock 'n' roll is here to stay Come inside where it's okay and I'll shake you
Rock 'n' roll is not bad, come inside where it's allowed and I'll dance with you


Won't you tell me what you're thinking of?
Could you share what's on your mind with me?


Would you be an outlaw for my love?
Would you be willing to take risks for our love?


If it's so, well, let me know If it's no, well, I can go, I won't make you
If you feel the same way, tell me, and if not, it's okay, I won't force you




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alex Chilton, Christopher Bell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Richard Andersen

I love the Big Star and and how great is Williams version - superb. Love

Barry Lamb

The best cover of this song that I have heard 

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