The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
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 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
But I'll I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
And oh, you got so much going for you
Going right
But I know at seventeen
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 it
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 Bridget
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 Ms. Brinkman
She spent so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine
And oh, you got so much going for you
Going right
But I know at seventeen
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
But 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 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 seventeen
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
Hey, I'd say "Have a little faith and you'll see"
If I could write a letter to me
To me
And send it back in time to myself at seventeen
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
But I'll I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare
And oh, you got so much going for you
Going right
But I know at seventeen
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 it
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 Bridget
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 Ms. Brinkman
She spent so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine
And oh, you got so much going for you
Going right
But I know at seventeen
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
But 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 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 seventeen
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
Hey, I'd say "Have a little faith and you'll see"
If I could write a letter to me
To me
Lyrics submitted by muhockey18, edited by alliereed
Letter to Me Lyrics as written by Brad Paisley
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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