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 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
But 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 it
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 8th
I 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 Ms. Brinkman
She spends so much extra time
It's like she sees a diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine

Oh, you got so much going for ya, 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'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'll end by 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 and let it be
Hey, I'd say have a little faith and you'll see

If I could write a letter to me
To me