Some people tell me
That you're not my kind
And I'd believe them
But I can't get you off of my mind
Some people tell me that I should stay away
Maybe I will, some other day

'Cause it feels right
You know, it feels good
And I don't always do what I should
And I know what makes me happy
And in my heart, you are it exactly

I don't wanna do right
I just want you tonight
Not just only in my dreams
Save my best behavior for a little later
'Cause I'm only 17
I think I've made my mind up
I've got time to grow up
Face responsibility
Livin' in the moment
Keepin' my heart open
While I'm only 17

I'll learn my lessons
And I'll make mistakes
And if I get burned
Well, it'll be my heart to break
It isn't easy, hearing what they say?
Sometimes you've got to
Take a leap of faith

'Cause it feels right
Yeah, it feels good
And I'm not gonna do somethin' stupid
Just this once I wanna feel like
I can do what I want
When I hold tight

I don't wanna do right
I just want you tonight
Not just only in my dreams
Save my best behavior for a little later
'Cause I'm only 17
I think I've made my mind up
I've got time to grow up
Face responsibility
Livin' in the moment
Keepin' my heart open
While I'm only 17

Anyone
Who's ever been
In love
Has got to know
What it means
To have a dream
And no one can
Say anything
To change my mind
No, not this time

'Cause it feels right
You know, it feels good
And I don't always do what I should
And I know what makes me happy
And in my heart, you are it exactly
I don't wanna do right
I just want you tonight
Not just only in my dreams
Save my best behavior for a little later
'Cause I'm only 17
I think I've made my mind up
I've got time to grow up
Face responsibility
Livin' in the moment
Keepin' my heart open
While I'm only 17
I don't wanna do right
I just want you tonight
Not just only in my dreams
Save my best behavior for a little later
'Cause I'm only 17
I think I've made my mind up
I've got time to grow up
Face responsibility
Livin' in the moment
Keepin' my heart open
While I'm only 17

Only 17
Yeah
Only 17


Lyrics submitted by Nelly

17 Lyrics as written by Todd Chapman Shelly Peiken

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

17 song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

10 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    I listened to this when I turned 17!!! :)

    Simplisticon June 18, 2002   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Album art
Page
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.