"If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time
to myself at 17
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 its 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 17 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
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 Bridgett 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 daddy is right
And you should really thank
Mrs Bringman
She spend 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 17 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 will kill you dead
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 up 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 17 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
I'd say have a little faith
and you'll see
If I could write a letter to me
To me
"