Seventeen

MARINA's 'Seventeen' is a poignant reflection on the transition from adolescence to adulthood, marked by a significant event that occurred at the age of seventeen. The lyrics suggest a loss of innocence and the harsh realization of societal expectations. The song begins with a metaphor comparing life to a major scale that has lost its harmony, indicating that what was once simple and beautiful has become complex and discordant. The 'Incy-wincy-spider' reference implies a liberation from naivety, as the spider is often associated with resilience and the ability to climb back up after being washed away.

The song delves into themes of class and power dynamics, as MARINA describes a relationship with a 'rich little boy' who embodies upper-class privilege. She resists being treated as a subordinate or an object for his amusement, highlighting her refusal to conform to his expectations. The 'rise of a king and the fall of a queen' symbolizes a pivotal moment in her life, possibly a coming-of-age experience that led to a shift in her self-perception and societal role. The repeated mention of the age seventeen serves as a marker for this transformative period.

MARINA also addresses the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, as she criticizes the expectation for her to be passive and compliant. The mention of a potential 'upper-class wife' with the personality of a 'truly sucked dry' lemon suggests a critique of the lifeless conformity expected of women in certain social circles. The song is a defiant stand against being molded by others, and a declaration of self-empowerment and authenticity, even if it means facing disapproval or embarrassment.