"At Seventeen" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janis Ian from her seventh studio album "Between the Lines". Columbia released it in July 1975 as the album's second single. Ian wrote the lyrics based on a "The New York Times" article with a samba instrumental, and Brooks Arthur produced the final version. A pop and soft rock ballad, the song is about a social outcast in high school. Critics have regarded "At Seventeen" as a type of anthem. Despite her initial reluctance to perform the single live, Ian promoted it at various appearances and it has been included on compilation and live albums.