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"Seventeen" is a commentary on class and the struggle for individuality. In the song, Marina describes being the object of a rich boy's desire, despite being from a lower class background. The lyrics describe how she is not willing to conform to his expectations and how her individuality and outspokenness make him feel weak and embarrassed. The chorus then switches to an enigmatic event that happened on the day she turned seventeen, where a king rose and a queen fell, leaving the listeners to guess the meaning behind the metaphor.
The verse and pre-chorus sections of the song illustrate Marina's tension with her lover. The rich boy assumes he has control over her and can mold her into what he wants her to be, but she resists. She won't be his "little slave" and refuses to change her style or behavior. This conflict between the two characters highlights the theme of power dynamics and the struggle for individual freedom, both in romantic relationships and in life.
The chorus is the central part of the song and where the meaning becomes ambiguous. As Marina hints at a significant shift on the day she turned seventeen, it can be interpreted in many ways. Some suggest that it represents Marina's own evolution and growth. She rose from a subservient position to become a powerful figure herself, while her lover fell because he couldn't accept her individuality and strength. Others suggest that it could be a broader metaphor for the social status and political unrest that often accompanies youth revolutions. Regardless of the interpretation, the metaphor of a king and queen rising and falling conveys a sense of triumph and loss, perhaps even a hint of tragedy.
The song concludes with an outro section in which Marina reflects on her own youth and the illusions she once held about life and love. She used to imagine herself as a princess in a dress, but now sees that things are not always the way they seem. The song ultimately evokes an empowering message of self-acceptance and the importance of challenging societal norms and restrictions.
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