About the song
“Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks is a song that captures the raw energy and emotion of one of rock music’s most iconic voices. Released in 1981 as part of her debut solo album, “Bella Donna,” this track has become a defining piece of her illustrious career. Stevie Nicks, renowned for her distinctive voice and mystical presence, delivers a performance in “Edge of Seventeen” that is both powerful and evocative.
The song was written by Stevie Nicks herself, inspired by a conversation she had with Tom Petty’s wife about their first meeting. The title “Edge of Seventeen” came from a misheard phrase “age of seventeen,” adding a unique poetic touch to the song’s narrative. The lyrics explore themes of loss, resilience, and the passage of time, framed by Nicks’ poignant reflections on life and the inevitability of change.
“Edge of Seventeen” is characterized by its driving guitar riff, courtesy of Waddy Wachtel, and its intense, almost hypnotic rhythm. The song’s iconic opening line, “Just like the white-winged dove,” has become synonymous with Nicks’ distinctive lyrical style. This track showcases her ability to blend personal storytelling with broader, more universal themes, making it a timeless anthem.
Upon its release, “Edge of Seventeen” achieved significant success, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of Stevie Nicks’ signature songs, frequently performed at her concerts and cherished by fans worldwide. The song’s impact extends beyond its initial release, having been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films and television shows.
“Edge of Seventeen” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to Stevie Nicks’ enduring influence in the world of rock music. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her unique vocal style and poetic lyrics has solidified her place as a musical legend. For many, this song evokes a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the raw, unfiltered emotions of youth and growth.
In “Edge of Seventeen,” Stevie Nicks not only reflects on her personal experiences but also creates a universal narrative that resonates with listeners of all ages. It’s a powerful reminder of her extraordinary talent and the timeless quality of her music, continuing to inspire and move audiences around the globe.
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Lyrics
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
And the days go by, like a strand in the wind
In the web that is my own, I begin again
Said to my friend, baby (everything stopped)
Nothin’ else mattered
He was no more than a baby then
Well he seemed broken-hearted
Something within him
But the moment that I first laid
Eyes on him, all alone
On the edge of seventeen
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
I said ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
I said ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Well, I went today
Maybe I will go again tomorrow
Yeah yeah, well, the music there
Well, it was hauntingly familiar
Well, I see you doing what I try to do for me
With the words from a poet and a voice from a choir
And a melody, and nothing else mattered
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
I said ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
I said ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
The clouds never expect it when it rains
But the sea changes colours
But the sea does not change
So with the slow, graceful flow of age
I went forth with an age old desire to please
On the edge of seventeen
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
I said ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
I said ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Well, then suddenly there was no one
Left standing in the hall, yeah, yeah
In a flood of tears
That no one really ever heard fall at all
Well, I went searchin’ for an answer
Up the stairs and down the hall
And not to find an answer
Just to hear the call
Of a nightbird singing, “Come away”
(Come away, come away)
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
I said ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Well I hear you in the morning
And I hear you at nightfall
Sometimes to be near you
Is to be unable to feel you, my love
I’m a few years older than you
(I’m a few years older than you) my love
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she’s singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said ooh