Lead songwriter and vocalist of the now reunited Pixies, Frank Black adopted a reversal of his former alias, Black Francis, and embarked on his solo career after the 1992 breakup of Pixies. He released his debut self-titled album, Frank Black in 1993. It contains his biggest rock radio hit, Los Angeles (#4 US Modern Rock). A year later came the critically acclaimed Teenager of the Year.
Frank Black's solo career covers a much more diverse range of styles and genres compared to his time with The Pixies. His works have feature a much more melodic touch, yet his lyrics are still often spiced with his quirky and inventive touch.
Frank Black regularly posts and responds to questions on the forums of his official fan site, frankblack.net, under the alias "frnck blck".
He began recording and touring as Black Francis in 2007, with the album Bluefinger, an album about the late Dutch musician and painter Herman Brood, and the mini album Svn Fngrs in 2008. On this tour he abandoned encores in favour of precores; a free mini gig at a public location earlier in the day. The gigs proper featured only current songs, the precores being more flexible.
Black Francis released NonStopErotik in March 2010.
The Pixies, minus original bassist Kim Deal, reunited for a United States and world tour in 2014 and have subsequently released three additional studio albums: Indie Cindy (2014), Head Carrier (2016) and Beneath the Eyrie (2019).
Seven Days
Frank Black Lyrics
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Seven plates of bone
I won't pray to get me there
Get there on my own
Going yonder where I was born
Place where I was partly raised
Have you been to Boston Town
Seven days will get you there
Seven plains of corn
Lord knows I've been all around
Roaming all around these plains
On my way back home
From seven years in seven days
Seven winters blown
Like seven players who had no cheer
Seven summers grown
The seven ways to all my tears
On my way back home
From seven years in seven days
Seven days will get you there
Seven plates of corn
I won't pray to get me there
Get there on my own
Going yonder where I was born
The place where I was partly raised
Going yonder where I was born
The place where I was partly raised
In "Seven Days," Frank Black is singing about a journey that he is about to take, heading home to the place where he was born and partly raised. He comments that it will only take seven days to get there, but he also acknowledges that the journey will not be easy. The repeated references to the number seven give a sense of completion and finality, as if this journey is a significant moment in Frank Black's life.
The lyrics use some interesting metaphors to describe the journey. He talks about "seven plates of bone" and "seven plains of corn," which could be interpreted as different stages or obstacles that he will encounter on his journey. He also mentions "seven years in seven days," which could be an allusion to the biblical story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery and spent seven years as a servant before becoming a powerful figure in Egypt. This reference to the story of Joseph could suggest that Frank Black sees his journey as a transformative experience that will lead him to a better place.
Another key theme in the song is self-reliance. Frank Black sings "I won't pray to get me there, get there on my own," indicating that he is not looking for divine intervention or assistance from others. This could be seen as a statement of independence and strength, suggesting that he is determined to make this journey on his own.
Overall, "Seven Days" is a song about a journey, both physical and metaphorical, that will take Frank Black back to his roots. The song explores themes of completion, transformation, and self-reliance, using vivid metaphors to create a sense of the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome.
Line by Line Meaning
Seven days will get you there
A week's journey is all you need to reach your destination
Seven plates of bone
A metaphorical reference to the scarcity of resources in life
I won't pray to get me there
I don't believe in divine intervention to achieve my goals
Get there on my own
I will rely on my own strength and determination to achieve my goals
Going yonder where I was born
Returning to my roots and origins
Place where I was partly raised
A place that played a role in shaping my identity
Have you been to Boston Town
A rhetorical question suggesting the singer's desire to share his experiences
Lord knows I've been all around
Acknowledging the extent of his travels and experiences
Roaming all around these plains
Traveling and exploring vast empty landscapes
On my way back home
Returning to where he came from
From seven years in seven days
Suggesting the intensity and rapid passage of time in his journey
Seven winters blown
A metaphorical reference to the hardships and struggles he faced
Like seven players who had no cheer
Comparing his past challenges to a team with no support or motivation
Seven summers grown
A metaphorical reference to the growth and change he experienced
The seven ways to all my tears
His tears represent the seven different emotions he experienced
Seven plates of corn
A metaphorical reference to the abundance and prosperity of life
Going yonder where I was born
Reiterating the importance of his roots and origins
The place where I was partly raised
A reminder of where he comes from and what he has overcome
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TERRENCE HAROLD, CRAIG PARKES, MATTHEW THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charles F Jurgus
on Repo Man
This is actually a cover of an Iggy Pop song.