This is a story why I am so engrossed about the number 17.

The aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption here in the Philippines that happened in 1991 led me to my story about this song. Let me first say I learned about this song and its lyrics, including the artist who sang it, from my sister.

It was June 17, 1991 when my father's cousin and his family left Pampanga and found their way into our house. They fled their place in Pampanga because of the eruption of the volacano and its threat to the health of his kids, who were my second cousins. I know it was June 17 because I came from school and attendance was checked with the date indicated on the attendance sheet. I arrived home and was surprised the house was "full-packed". There I got acquainted with my relatives, my cousins. That was the start of a long-lasting genuine friendship.

Three sisters, one brother. They were all so talented, very unique from each other, very playful, very loving, the bond was remarkable! It was Enne who actually "institutionalized" our anniversary -the anniversary of our first meeting. We named our company: JERS and CROM or JC for short. That was the nicest name for me: JC!

Well, theres is so much to talk about JC but this is all for now because today, I remember our anniversary and as I do so, the song I titled for this blog will always lead me back to the events of 1991.

I did not include the lyrics here because only the title of this song reminds me of my story stated above. Here is the music:

At Seventeen - Janis Ian

This would be the most favorite Abba song for me, my mom and my sister - all the ladies in my family. We love this song primarily because the beat is fast and the tone so high... it's like vein-breaking note is placed all over the song.

I remember we were in my cousin's house (in Tandang Sora, which is in Quezon City). We had this mic which has installed videoke songs on it. It was my mom's favorite gadget. So we were singing with our neighbors and my mom, as friendly as she is, easily got the attention of our equally friendly neighbors while singing this song. It was also a mom-and-daughter-tandem - we shared the song. But all the praises were for my mom (I was second best, I know). When that party was over, the neighbors couldn't forget that note when my mom sung "Diggin' the dancing queen", with full force, with the right pause and perfect note!

That was just one of my stories with this song and my mom! Bravo to my mom!

Here goes the lyrics!

You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh see that girl, watch that scene
Dig in the dancing queen

Friday night and the lights are low
Looking out for a place to go
Where they play the right music, getting in the swing
You come in to look for a king

Anybody could be that guy
Night is young and the music's high
With a bit of rock music, everything is fine
You're in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance

You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat
From the tambourine, oh yeah

You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh see that girl, watch that scene
Dig in the dancing queen

You're a teaser, you turn 'em on
Leave 'em burning and then you're gone
Looking out for another, anyone will do
You're in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance

You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat
From the tambourine, oh yeah

You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh see that girl, watch that scene
Dig in the dancing queen
Dig in the dancing queen

and the music:

dancing queen - abba

This is the only song I know that would remind me of a person I lost in the past. For the past few nights, I've been dreaming about her, thinking about her and my vivid thoughts are sometimes just about her -Jenny, my cousin.

I've lost her for seventeen (17) years now. She could have been a very pretty lady as she was before. Who knows, she might have her own family already. Too bad and too sad, this world can no longer witness that because she is gone ahead of us all.


Lyrics | Taylor Dayne lyrics - Love Will Lead You Back lyrics

I have no more means to verify with her, her story behind this song. But one thing came true: love leads her back. I only knew her deeply for about two weeks but I spent so many hours and nights with her, most especially when she was sick. We ate in her room together, laugh together, tell stories and all that friends would do together. It was one of my happiest moments but also the most painful part of my life. I was just trying to be firm because I know, she is above there, watching over us, praying for us even.

Let me share with you a poem my mom made when Jenny passed away.

I'LL BE BACK (1991)
Wipe the tears in your eyes dearest ones
i'm not dead as you see me dead
my spirit lives and have gone ahead
to the Kingdom of God and eternal rest

Grieve not my passing away from this world
pilgrims all we pass this way once
some chose the long and torturous roads
my route was short & easy as a dance

Fourteen years you had me in your midst
you've seen me laugh & dance & sing
if you see me now so still and unmoving
it's not because I am dead rather that I'm resting

For my journey through this earth though short and easy
still my heart never rests, my spirit weary
til I rest in His bossom
my God, the Almighty

But I'll be back dearest ones, I'll be back
You'll see me in your memories where I live on
I'll be in your midst in joy and fun
In spirit, I'll be back dearest ones.

-a dew
(copied with permission)

I miss you Jenny!