Song 17 ( Jethro Tull - 17 )

This song was recorded around 1969 and was a B-side to the Sweet Dream UK single; later it was re-released on the 20 Years of Tull Boxed Set. It has an earlier Tull feel of it with some blues influences but not nearly as bluesy as the material on their first album This Was. The lyrics are mostly in reflection of days past like a lot of other songs that Ian has written. It almost feels like Ian (21 years old at the time) is looking back on himself and some other unknown person when they both were 17 years of age. Seeing far more options for himself and his early idealism and dreams were strong and now seeing himself getting less and less opportunities for himself. Now rather than living in the moment, like most youths do, he has to look forward, plan and keep his nose to the ground... wishing to be 17 again.

Here is the studio version on YouTube.

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