Song Of Seven

Album: Song Of Seven (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Running 11:07, this is a song about dreams, and embracing life's mysteries. Jon Anderson wrote it after leaving his band Yes, which he founded in 1968. His lyrics often explore spiritual themes and tie in with his personal growth; with "Song Of Seven," he was feeling very open about life and excited to begin his solo career.

    As a solo artist, he didn't have the sales numbers he did with Yes, but that's not what he was after. He returned to the band in 1983, but kept a lot of side projects going, including more solo albums and various collaborations with the Greek composer Vangelis.
  • What's the significance of the number seven in this song? In a Songfacts interview with Jon Anderson, he said: "There are seven colors in a rainbow and seven musical notes. Seven has a very powerful connection to our psyche."
  • "Song Of Seven" is the title track to Anderson's second solo album. It's one he remained fond of; in 2020, it got a 40th anniversary re-release.
  • Anderson was far more than just a singer and lyricist with Yes - he helped structure the songs and was always coming up with musical ideas. On this orchestrated track, he had to dive into it musically, which he found quite rewarding. Musicians on it include Clem Clemson on guitar, John Giblin on bass, Ronnie Leahy on keyboards, and Maurice Pert on percussion. Strings were provided by the Delmé String Quartet.
  • Anderson often layers his own vocals to provide a choral effect, but on this one he got some help, with Chris Harley, known for his work with The Alan Parsons Project, lending his voice.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.