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

And 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

And 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