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
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, 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 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, 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

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…