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How a Misheard Word Became 'Edge of Seventeen'
23 Jul
Summary
- A Southern accent changed 'age' to 'edge,' inspiring a hit.
- Tom Petty's wife, Jane Benyo, was the source of the phrase.
- The song also references John Lennon's death and Uncle John.
A misunderstood Southern accent gave rise to one of music's most iconic songs. While speaking with Jane Benyo, the first wife of Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks heard "edge of seventeen" instead of "age of seventeen." This phonetic quirk, stemming from Benyo's accent, sparked the idea for Nicks's massive 1981 hit, "Edge of Seventeen."
The song, released from her solo album Bella Donna, quickly became a major success, charting at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The phrase "Just Like the White Winged Dove" was later added to the single's title.
Nicks has recounted how the song's lyrical themes evolved. The "white winged dove" imagery was incorporated after the death of John Lennon, serving as a tribute to him and her Uncle John, who had recently passed away. The song's origins and its poignant later additions underscore its enduring legacy in music.
