The song "17" by Jade Bird is about the fear of abandonment and the difficulty of opening up to others. The lyrics describe the singer's tendency to act mean or distant towards her partner because she is afraid of being hurt and left alone. She acknowledges that this behavior is not fair to her partner, but she struggles to let her guard down and be vulnerable. The line "my lies, they hide you from the pain" suggests that instead of being honest about her insecurities and fears, the singer chooses to push her partner away and keep them at a distance. She knows that this is not a healthy way to communicate, but it's hard to break old patterns and habits. The chorus repeatedly asks the listener to "stay" and listen while the singer explains her behavior and motivations. She wants to be understood and accepted, even though she struggles to express herself clearly. The line "my heart will break like I'm 17" refers to the vulnerability and sensitivity she feels, as if she is still a teenager experiencing her first heartbreak. Overall, "17" is a poignant and relatable song about the challenges of opening up to others and the fear of rejection. The lyrics are deeply personal, yet universal in their themes of love, loss, and self-protection.
