New York City, a city of dreams and contradictions, has inspired countless artists and musicians to capture its essence in song. Among the vast repertoire of New York-themed music, Sharon Van Etten's 'Seventeen' stands out as a unique ode to the ever-evolving nature of this iconic metropolis.
The Allure of New York: A City of Infinite Romances
New York has long been a muse for songwriters, from Frank Sinatra's 'Theme From New York, New York' to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' collaboration. It's a city that evokes a sense of romance, power, and youth, as Joan Didion so eloquently put it in her essay 'Goodbye to All That.'
Sharon Van Etten's New York Story
'Seventeen' is Van Etten's personal take on New York, a city she adopted as her home. Born in New Jersey and raised in Nashville, she moved to New York in 2005, and her song reflects on the city's evolution and her own personal growth within it.
The track is a reflection on time's passage and its impact on our surroundings and our sense of self. Van Etten observes the changes in the city, from the closure of beloved local businesses to the transformation of neighborhoods, and realizes that these changes are not just physical but also represent the loss of community and shared history.
Visualizing New York: A Love Letter to the City
The music video for 'Seventeen', directed by Maureen Towey, is a visual journey through Van Etten's New York. It showcases iconic locations that have shaped her and her music, offering a tender yet tough portrayal of the city's beauty and its ability to nurture artistic dreams.
Beyond Nostalgia: A Song of Ephemeral Beauty
While 'Seventeen' is a mournful lament, it's not a song trapped in nostalgia. It acknowledges the transient nature of life and the inevitable changes that come with time. It echoes Bob Dylan's wisdom in 'To Ramona' and Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now', reminding us that while something is lost, something is also gained in the passage of time.
A City for the Young and the Wise
Van Etten's 'Seventeen' is a song that speaks to the young and the old, the newcomers and the long-time residents of New York. It captures the city's ability to inspire and transform, and the way it shapes our perspectives as we grow older.
In my opinion, 'Seventeen' is a powerful reminder that cities, like people, are ever-changing entities, and our relationship with them evolves as we do. It's a beautiful, thoughtful piece of art that invites us to reflect on our own personal journeys and the cities that have shaped us.
