Seven Is a Jolly Good Time
Egg Lyrics


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I used to play in four time when I was very small
Recently I've realised the folly of it all
So grim a thought disturbed me, upset my decent mind
I started writing songs in all the rhythms I could find
Like five...

Seven is a jolly good time, seven is a jolly good time
It's such a very good sign to play in seven time
Seven is a jolly good time, seven is a jolly good time
It's such a very good sign to play in seven time

I found it hard to follow, my foot became confused
My facial muscles echoed the rhythms that I used
And now I found my métier playing in a group
I gather all the notes up and jump them through a hoop
As in eleven...

Seven is a jolly good time, seven is a jolly good time
It's such a very good sign to play in seven time
Seven is a jolly good time, seven is a jolly good time
It's such a very good sign to play in seven time

It really doesn't matter
It really doesn't matter
It really doesn't matter
It really doesn't matter
(repeat)

Seven is a jolly good time, seven is a jolly good time
It's such a very good sign to play in seven time




Seven is a jolly good time, seven is a jolly good time
It's such a very good sign to play in jolly old seven time

Overall Meaning

In "Seven Is A Jolly Good Time," Egg frontman Dave Stewart sings about his love for playing music in odd time signatures. The song starts with Stewart reflecting on his early musical experiences, when he played in the common 4/4 time signature. He then expresses how he began to branch out and experiment with different time signatures, ultimately finding a special affinity for 7/8 time. Despite the complexity of the rhythm, Stewart finds joy in playing in this time signature and encourages others to explore music beyond the standard 4/4 beat.


The lyrics of "Seven Is A Jolly Good Time" showcase Stewart's humorous and lighthearted approach to music-making. He recognizes that playing in odd time signatures can be challenging, as evidenced by his "upset" mind and "confused" foot. However, he ultimately embraces the challenge and encourages others to do the same, proclaiming that "seven is a jolly good time" and "such a very good sign to play in jolly old seven time." The repetition of the chorus highlights Stewart's enthusiasm for this particular time signature.


Line by Line Meaning

I used to play in four time when I was very small
When I was young, I used to play music in 4/4 time signature.


Recently I've realised the folly of it all
However, I have now realized that there are many rhythms and styles of music to explore.


So grim a thought disturbed me, upset my decent mind
The idea of limiting myself to only one time signature disturbed me.


I started writing songs in all the rhythms I could find
As a result, I began exploring and experimenting with different time signatures in my songwriting.


Like five...
For example, I started incorporating 5/4 time in my music.


Seven is a jolly good time, seven is a jolly good time
I have found that playing in 7/4 time signature is enjoyable and fun.


It's such a very good sign to play in seven time
In fact, playing in 7/4 time is a positive indication of musical exploration and growth.


I found it hard to follow, my foot became confused
Initially, I struggled to keep up with the rhythm, and my body movements became disjointed and confused.


My facial muscles echoed the rhythms that I used
Even my facial muscles began to move along with the beat, showing how deeply the rhythm had affected me.


And now I found my métier playing in a group
Eventually, I found that playing in a group helped me find my musical niche in jazz and other styles that embrace odd time signatures.


I gather all the notes up and jump them through a hoop
I take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by 7/4 time signature to create playful and dynamic music.


As in eleven...
I also experiment with even more complex time signatures, like 11/8.


It really doesn't matter
Ultimately, what matters most is my enjoyment of music and my creative expression, regardless of the time signature.


(repeat)




Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@edenontheair4168

a battler pfp uploading egg makes sense, idk how but it does

@kingdhansak

I've had the three Egg albums on vinyl for years, but have never heard this until now. Most excellent

@MSMediaRotterdam

Only on 7 inch at the time...

@BenjaminMankowski

I fried an egg this morning, but stepped away from it after putting it in a plate. My son asks "Whose egg?" I replied, "A 1970s prgressive rock band responsible for the song 'Seven Is a Jolly Good Time.'" Then I had to come listen to the song.

@clivebaldwin3809

Wonderful! (but you are seriously bonkers, and why not!?)

@annejean-philippeotton8073

Dedicated to all those who think that light pop's always in 4/4...

@ivan2795

Good upload, thank you! Finally...

@Obstsalatissimo

some gentle giant in between...

@cybertronian2005

no, before them

@Kris.G

7/8
4/4
5/4
7/4
11/8
5/8
thank you Mont

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