29

"29" is a reflection on a past relationship with someone who was much older. The lyrics suggest that the relationship began when the narrator was underage, as evidenced by the line "petal on the vine, too young to drink wine". Despite being far from innocent, the narrator questions whether or not consent was truly given.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the younger party was in a vulnerable state and had some unresolved issues that the older partner took advantage of. The line "had me in your grip, went beautifully with all my daddy issues" suggests that the older partner manipulated the narrator's insecurities for their own gain.

The chorus of the song contrasts the narrator's youth and innocence with their current age of 29, highlighting the significant age gap between them and their former partner. The line "thought it was a teenage dream, just a fantasy" could imply that the narrator initially believed that the relationship was romantic and exciting, but now realizes that it was exploitative.

Ultimately, the song seems to be about the narrator coming to terms with their past and recognizing the manipulation and abuse they experienced in the relationship. The repeated line "seventeen, twenty-nine" serves as a reminder of the age difference and the power dynamic that existed in the relationship.