How is everybody back here in the cheap seats doing?
Back when I was going to concerts
We had an amphitheatre about like this
Near where I lived, and I was never any closer than that to the stage
So I thought I better come back here
And sing to the folks who are sitting where I was
And speaking of that kid that went to all those concerts
That seventeen year old, one hundred and eight pound high school junior
That was scared to death, I'll dedicate this next song to him
If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at seventeen
Well 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
All 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
But still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
But 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 Eighth
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 Mrs. 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've 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
So, there I was seventeen years old
Scared out of my mind
Failing Algebra two
Meanwhile, people would walk up to me, they'd say:
"Son, enjoy this 'cause these are the best years of your life"
And I would think, alright, well then just shoot me
I'm living proof no matter what anybody tells you
High school is not necessarily the best years of your life
Now College...
Hang in there, kids, it gets better after you graduate, I promise
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
Yeah, I'd say have a little faith, and you'll see
If I could write a letter to me
To me
