1. The Elders ar… Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists which have used this name
1. The Elders are a six-piece Irish American folk rock band, that formed in Kansas City, Missouri.
The band has released six studio albums, The Elders, Pass It on Down, American Wake, Racing the Tide, Gael Day and Wanderin' Life & Times, as well as three live albums "The Best Crowd We Ever Had", "Live at the Gem" and "Alive and Live in Ireland" and one compilation album, "The Best of The Elders Volume 1" which includes some live tracks. They have toured in the United States, Ireland, and Europe, drawing faithful crowds and earning new fans wherever they go.
2. The Elders are a punk band from Tempe, Arizona
3) The Elders are a rock band Fullerton, California. They have released two live albums, both recorded at local venues in 2007. In addition, they have released two self-produced albums, "Castle Of Wood" in 2007 and "Bird Dog" in 2008.
Their current lineup includes Grant "Chowders" Boughter (lead vocals, bass), Jon "Une Twa" Collier (guitar, vocals), Brian "Splooges" Sturgis (guitar, vocals), and Michael "Moze" Karapetian (drums).
Seven Years
The Elders Lyrics
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A rogue among the idle, but he made no complaints
One midnight in a tavern, he gave a reckless vow
If he only had a fortune, he'd be pullin' Satan's plow
A hoof beneath his trousers, those telltale signs
Dressed up like a lawyer, drinkin' red wine
He'd taken up that bargain, but this devil could be had
Seven years the Devil seven years the man
Seven days counting to work his plan
Nine lucky numbers one soul to save
And send the old boy back to his grave
With a few shots inside ‘em, they finally struck a deal
A gift of girls and money eternity was sealed
When our Billy found his booty old Scratch had disappeared
Not knowing it was the end of his brilliant career
Seven years the Devil seven years the man
Seven days counting to work his plan
Nine lucky numbers one soul to save
And send the old boy back to his grave
He moved on to his finery and sunshiny friends
They were all too glad to have a wad of cash to spend
His door was always open his wallet always wide
With a fair maid or two on the side In less than half of seven years the money was all spent
The evil one he doubled down he wasn't yet content
Billy said you're on my man and the Devil began to pound
And to that magic anvil that demon was … forever bound
Seven years the Devil seven years the man
Seven days counting to work his plan
Nine lucky numbers one soul to save
And send the old boy back to his grave
The Elders’ song “Seven Years” tells the story of Billy, a blacksmith who makes a deal with the devil for a fortune. At a tavern one night, he gives a reckless vow that if he had a fortune, he would be pulling Satan's plow. This leads to a bargain between Billy and the devil, where he must work for him for seven years while being forever chained and shackled with a hammer in his hand. The devil promises him gifts of girls and money that seals eternity. However, Billy soon finds out that the devil is not to be trusted, and he spends all his money in less than half of seven years. In the end, he and the devil engage in a battle of magic, and Billy manages to trap the devil forever bound to his hammer.
The song tells a tale of the consequences of making deals with the devil and how greed can lead to destruction. It also shows how people who seem to have everything can sometimes end up with nothing. The lyrics are packed with metaphors, vivid descriptions, and allusions, creating a haunting and engrossing narrative.
Line by Line Meaning
Now Billy was a blacksmith and a terror of the saints
Billy was a troublemaker who caused fear among the religious community, and he worked as a blacksmith.
A rogue among the idle, but he made no complaints
Though he was a mischievous person, he never complained about his situation.
One midnight in a tavern, he gave a reckless vow
During one midnight in a tavern, Billy made a foolish promise.
If he only had a fortune, he'd be pullin' Satan's plow
Billy declared that if he had enough money, he would do anything, even work for the devil.
A hoof beneath his trousers, those telltale signs
Billy had unusual signs under his clothing, indicating that he might have made a deal with the devil.
Dressed up like a lawyer, drinkin' red wine
He disguised himself as a lawyer and drank red wine to strike a deal with the devil.
He'd taken up that bargain, but this devil could be had
He agreed to the deal, but he realized he could trick the devil.
Forever chained and shackled with a hammer in his hand
As part of the deal, he was bound to an anvil with a hammer in his hand.
Seven years the Devil seven years the man
The agreement was that Billy would work for the devil for seven years.
Seven days counting to work his plan
Billy had to carry out his part of the deal within seven days.
Nine lucky numbers one soul to save
He had to solve a riddle with nine lucky numbers to save his soul.
And send the old boy back to his grave
The devil would return to the underworld after the deal was fulfilled.
With a few shots inside ‘em, they finally struck a deal
After drinking alcohol, they finally made a deal.
A gift of girls and money eternity was sealed
Billy agreed to work for the devil in exchange for wealth and women, sealing the deal for eternity.
When our Billy found his booty old Scratch had disappeared
However, when Billy acquired his wealth, the devil had already vanished.
Not knowing it was the end of his brilliant career
Unaware that it was the end of his luck, Billy continued to enjoy his wealth.
He moved on to his finery and sunshiny friends
Billy moved on to his wealthy friends and luxurious lifestyle.
They were all too glad to have a wad of cash to spend
His friends were happy to spend his money.
His door was always open his wallet always wide
Billy was hospitable and generous with his wealth.
With a fair maid or two on the side
He even had a few mistresses on the side.
In less than half of seven years the money was all spent
However, in less than three and a half years, Billy had spent all his money.
The evil one he doubled down he wasn't yet content
The devil decided to punish Billy further because he was not yet satisfied.
Billy said you're on my man and the Devil began to pound
Billy challenged the devil, and the devil attacked him.
And to that magic anvil that demon was … forever bound
After trying to attack Billy, the devil was trapped in the anvil forever.
Contributed by Gabriella D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.