☝️ Key Points
- The title 'Edge of Seventeen' refers to the transition from youth to adulthood and symbolizes loss and uncertainty during that time.
- The metaphor of the white dove suggests innocence, purity, and possibly hope amidst grief.
- The fleeting nature of time and the speed of changes in life are highlighted in the lines 'And the days go by, like a strand in the wind'.
- Stevie Nicks' desire for personal growth and healing is represented in the lines 'Well, I went today, maybe I will go again tomorrow' and 'With the words from a poet and a voice from a choir'.
- The line 'The clouds never expect it when it rains, but the sea changes colours but the sea does not change' reflects that unexpected events can occur in life, but a person's essence remains constant.
Interpretation
The song 'Edge of Seventeen' is an emotional reflection on loss and grief, embedded in the metaphor of coming of age. The title 'Edge of Seventeen' refers to the transition from youth to adulthood, a time of change and uncertainty.
The recurring line 'Just like the white winged dove sings a song, sounds like she's singing' suggests hope and purity. The white dove often symbolizes peace and innocence. Here, it could represent the innocent spirit of youth or the pure feeling of love.
In the chorus 'And the days go by, like a strand in the wind', Nicks reflects on the fleeting nature of time and how quickly life can change. In the line 'he was no more than a baby then, well he seemed broken-hearted', Nicks may be speaking about a loved one who experienced pain and sorrow at a young age.
The lines 'Well, I went today, maybe I will go again tomorrow' and 'With the words from a poet and a voice from a choir' could represent Nicks' desire for growth and personal development. The words of a poet and the voice of a choir could symbolize creative inspiration or a path to healing.
In the line 'The clouds never expect it when it rains, but the sea changes colours but the sea does not change', Nicks reflects on how unexpected events can occur in life, but a person's essence remains the same, much like the sea changes color but not its essence.
Overall, 'Edge of Seventeen' is a song about loss, coming of age, and the search for healing and hope amidst change and challenges.