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At Seventeen
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(Janis Ian cover) Most girls feel this way at this age, though I always particularly identified with this song (you can see why--and I still do to a large extent). That's why whether I hear it or sing it, the tears always flow...
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Queen of the Cover Songs...
This is something I'm doing just for fun -- to live out a lifelong dream since the age of around 7 or so when I realized that I could carry a tune (without the use of a bucket!) and it didn't sound bad. Much love and thanks go to those in my SoundClick family (and now beyond!) who helped to encourage/challenge me to spread my wings to try this out and continue to take it to the next level. Without your kind support I'd still be just a listener (not that there's anything wrong with that).
Song Info
Genre
Rock • Cover Songs
Charts
Peak #200
Peak in subgenre #14
Author
Janis Ian
Rights
HFA Lic #1120068783
Uploaded
November 27, 2010
Track Files
MP3
MP3 4.2 MB • 128 kbps • 4:38
Story behind the song
Not so much concentrating on the technical production with this song...just let myself go with the vocals as I got lost in it... (have I mentioned how much I relate to this song? lol)
Lyrics
AT SEVENTEEN =========== I learned the truth at seventeen That love was meant for beauty queens And high school girls with clear skinned smiles Who married young and then retired The valentines I never knew The Friday night charades of youth Were spent on one more beautiful At seventeen I learned the truth And those of us with ravaged faces Lacking in the social graces Desperately remained at home Inventing lovers on the phone Who called to say - come dance with me And murmured vague obscenities It isn't all it seems at seventeen A brown eyed girl in hand me downs Whose name I never could pronounce Said - Pity please the ones who serve They only get what they deserve The rich relationed hometown queen Marries into what she needs With a guarantee of company And haven for the elderly Remember those who win the game Lose the love they sought to gain In debentures of quality and dubious integrity Their small-town eyes will gape at you In dull surprise when payment due Exceeds accounts received at seventeen To those of us who knew the pain Of valentines that never came And those whose names were never called When choosing sides for basketball It was long ago and far away The world was younger than today When dreams were all they gave for free To ugly duckling girls like me We all play the game, and when we dare To cheat ourselves at solitaire Inventing lovers on the phone Repenting other lives unknown That call and say - Come dance with me And murmur vague obscenities At ugly girls like me, at seventeen
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Comments 12
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Harry Edgar
Jul 19, 2011
great song well sung loved this
Paper Rock Scissors
Dec 07, 2010
Inspired!
Heleana Maria
Nov 27, 2010
Hi Mary Clare, This song is sung with much feeling! It reminds me of my two daughters when they were teens. One was popular and one not. They were both beautiful but one had social problems. Alot of young girls can relate to this song. I myself was in between I guess you could say. My sister was the popular one. Blessings, Heleana Maria
Rodrica Rudge
Nov 21, 2010
Wonderful job MC, clear diction, great phrasing, timing and expression - I feel the emotion in this track...and you are the one who has put it there - only a good vocalist can do that and you are definitely a very skillful vocalist.
Michael Bennett
Nov 21, 2010
Very nice vocals - - Maybe you should try Janis Ian's "Society's Child", the song that made me realize how good she was. You're on a roll now, Mary Clare :)
C Norden
Nov 21, 2010
It's brave in fact to pick up such world-great songs by world-great artist of all times like you do here and try making it a bit your own. You put yourself in comparison with the original and that's a very tough challenge - which you have met here with splendid results! You have a very good voice, you certainly are getting better and better in controlling it according to your wishes. One feels it is the inner you singing, not only your technical voice.
ALEXIS PATRICK
Nov 20, 2010
Magnificent....Mary Clare, you have sung beautiful vocals Always liked this song because I can identify with it. I am very plain without make-up. Mary Clare, I was like this in my teens..I never had a date or went to Prom either. It always made me cry...I was not popular at all. I think back and now I just do not care.:) When I got older, I was fortunate enough to have a son and a daughter. I have one grandchild. I love them more than life itself. My son's father, I loved with all my heart...he died of cancer. I did have so much fun with him, always laughing. I also loved my daughter's father. He is alive and happy , I think with a new lady. I very seldom see him...other than that I am quite alone, and unpopular.:)
VMP (USA)
Nov 19, 2010
Brilliant choice, this tune has always stood out, so heartbreaking and well stated. You did a very nice job with it too, right in the pocket. Such a sweet voice that records beautifully, really enjoyed this!
victory 01
Nov 18, 2010
I like this Mary Clare ... Very nice and well done. Congrats. Santa.
The Smivets
Nov 17, 2010
A bitter sweet classic - one of the best lyrics ever written I think. Delivered with true emotion - cool version Mary, good stuff!
KirasVeganMusicVibes
Nov 12, 2010
Absolutely wonderful! This song and You are One. I can feel and hear in your voice you must have experienced some of mentioned emotions in former times... Your voice is perfect and so very impressive, it seems to belong to this song. Well done, you have really touched me, Mary. Go on like that. TC, Kirawe
ROBERT M LISANTI
Nov 11, 2010
Very Nice !