The Ever-Changing City: A Musical Journey
New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made, has inspired countless artists, and its ever-evolving nature is a recurring theme in popular culture. One such artist, Sharon Van Etten, captured this essence in her 2019 song 'Seventeen', offering a unique perspective on the city's transformation.
The City's Musical Legacy:
New York's allure has long been immortalized in music. From Frank Sinatra's iconic 'Theme From New York, New York' to Billy Joel's 'New York State of Mind', the city's energy and spirit have been celebrated and mourned in equal measure. Each song is a time capsule, capturing a specific era and emotion associated with the Big Apple.
A Personal Connection:
What makes 'Seventeen' particularly fascinating is Van Etten's personal connection to the city. As an adopted New Yorker, she navigates the fine line between being an outsider and a local. This dual perspective allows her to observe the city's changes with a unique lens, noticing the subtle shifts that might escape a lifelong resident.
The Passage of Time:
The song is a poignant reflection on how time affects not just individuals but also the urban landscape. Van Etten's lyrics beautifully illustrate the idea that as we age, our perception of change evolves. What might seem insignificant at 17, like a store closing, takes on a deeper meaning with age, revealing the loss of community and shared history.
Visualizing the City:
The music video, directed by Maureen Towey, becomes a love letter to New York, showcasing iconic locations that have shaped Van Etten's journey. It's a powerful reminder that cities are more than just concrete and steel; they are living, breathing entities that nurture dreams and creativity.
Nostalgia vs. Reality:
Interestingly, the song avoids the trap of pure nostalgia. While it acknowledges the city's evolution, it doesn't romanticize the past. Instead, it embraces the transient nature of life, echoing Bob Dylan's wisdom in 'To Ramona'. This maturity in perspective is rare in art, as artists often fall into the trap of glorifying the 'good old days.'
The Universal Message:
At its core, 'Seventeen' conveys a universal truth—change is inevitable. As Joni Mitchell eloquently put it, something is gained and lost with each passing day. This song serves as a reminder to appreciate the present and understand that our environments, like ourselves, are constantly evolving.
Personally, I find this perspective refreshing. In a world obsessed with nostalgia, it's brave to acknowledge that the past is just that—the past. New York, like any great city, is a living organism, constantly reshaping itself, and it's up to us to adapt and find beauty in its ever-changing nature.
